Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has pledged to work with the electoral body and all other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming local government election in the state is free, fair and credible.
Obaseki gave the assurance when he received the executive members of the Edo State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha said the country is in tough and perilous times, charging government officials on the need to be responsible and accountable to the people.
He noted, “With the local government elections soon approaching, we need to sit and brainstorm on how to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible. I appeal to you to also sit with the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to discuss ways and processes to ensure the success of the polls come April 19th, 2022.”
Obaseki continued: “We are going through perilous times as a nation and our people are now scared as we are being attacked from the roads, rails, and even air. This is a great cause for us to worry. We shouldn’t be irresponsible as politicians.
“I urge you to play your part by sensitizing our people on sustaining our democracy, which was well-earned and not gotten on a platter of gold. Our people sacrificed their lives for us to get to where we are today. We must cherish what we have in Nigeria by ensuring the sustenance of our democracy.”
Obaseki further hailed IPAC for the sustained partnership with the government in ensuring the delivery of the dividend of democracy to the people of Edo State.
The governor added, “Our administration has suffered various oppressions moving from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and we have overcome our oppressors. We thank you for your courage as we assure you of this administration’s open-door policy.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Edo IPAC, Hon. Omorogbe Joseph, commending the government’s efforts at improving the livelihoods of the majority of Edo citizens said, “As a body, we ensure that governments deliver the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots and bring good governance to the people.”
