Civil Society Group Okays EDSIEC Preparation

By Isaac Eranga, Benin

The Coalition of Civil Society for Edo Local Government Election has applauded the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) for their preparation in the state's Local Government election slated for 3rd March, saying the electoral body provided the necessary logistic support to ensure transparent, violent free and credible election in the State.

This was disclosed in Benin City  by the Chairman of the group, Comrade Richards Adebayo while answering questions from newsmen on thier observation of EDSIEC's preparation for the election. Comrade Adebayo said EDSIEC was resolute, transparent and committed to conducting a credible free and fair Local Government election in the State, by providing a level play ground for all political parties to participate in the election.

"In proving their transparency, EDSIEC accredited and mobilized domestic election observers and journalists to observe the election and report accordingly without bias", he said.

The civil society boss said his team observed that the Edo State Government in line with Nigeria's constitution and electoral laws deemed it necessary for a Local Government Council election to be conducted in the State, despite the economic challenges which some other states are using as excuse.

"We gathered that after due consultations and considerations with relevant stakeholders, especially political parties, with respect to the state electoral laws, EFSIEC released the timetable for the election in which 3rd March, 2018 was announced and set aside for the election to be held. Although PDP boycotted the election.

"We observed that for the first time in the history of the state, strong and formidable opposition parties are seriously campaigning and mobilizing to challenge the ruling party in Edo State in the Local Government polls. This will make the election very interesting

"We observed that the Nigeria Police, Edo State Command embarked on screening exercise on domestic civil society election observers who have shown interest in participating in the Edo state Local Government election", he said.

Comrade Richards Adebayo however recommended the following: restriction of movement of persons and goods on the day of election, engaging committed civil society groups on an intensive civic voter education for sensitization and mobilization ahead of every election, engaging political parties in civic voter marginalization as a proactive way of campaign, political parties should commit to training their electoral field officers like party Agents, Supervisors, etc, with the necessary electoral laws and code of conduct during election, priority be given to the difficult terrains in the State in terms of distribution of electoral materials to ensure quick and timely commencement if election in such areas, etc.

The civil society activist commended the State Governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki for formulating good policies, his developmental projects and programs and for deeming it fit in  conducting the election in the state.

"We also commend the leader of the party in the state- Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole in his commitment to nation building and electoral reform.

"We also Commend Hon. Dennis Idahosa from Ovia South West local government area, who is supporting the government in the area of voters education and sensition of electorates, youth empowerment and human capacity building", said Comrade Adebayo.

Comrade Richards Adebayo