Comrade Onyedikachi Kalu, during the briefing
LG Elections: CSO urges Abians to come out en masse to vote, defend their votes;
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
A civil society organization has called on the Abia electorate to participate actively in the November 2, 2024 local government election to make the exercise a popularity contest.
The group, Progressive Youths of Nigeria, said in Umuahia while briefing the Press Friday evening said that it was advising “the voters in Abia State to come out en masse to vote for a candidate of their choice and also stand to defend their mandate while collectively resisting any form of intimidation and harassment.”
Team Lead of the group, Comrade Onyedikachi Kalu, who said they were addressing the Media on the auspices of Nigeria Performance Index Group, also charged security operatives to ensure that peace prevailed during the exercise and allow voters unhindered freedom to exercise their franchise.
“We recommend that the various security agents should be duty-bound and see the election duty as a national duty; to serve with patriotism, without bias.
“They should genuinely commit to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere during and after the election while allowing voters to freely exercise their franchise,” the group said.
The Nigerian Progressive Youths said it observed that Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has performed above board in their preparations for the election, but noted that there were allegations of influence peddling against the government. The body therefore advised ABSIEC not to allow itself to be tele-guided by anyone.
“The Chairman of Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof George Chima, should not allow his hard-earned integrity to be dented by the so-called desperate politicians with their overzealousness rather, he should remain resolute and committed to working for the entire good people of the state by giving them credible, transparent and peaceful election,” the group advised.
It also called on the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to see himself as the father of all the candidates and ensure a free and fair contest to make for emergence of popular candidates and be prepared to work with any successful candidate, ireespective of political affiliation
