The Abia state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for more awareness and the commitment of Abians in the forthcoming election.
Speaking at the One-day conference organized by the body ahead of the of the 2019 general elections tagged “TOWARDS EVOLVING A SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP CULTURE IN ABIA STATE”, the Chairman of the Council, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere called on Abians to embrace the electoral Process to ensure the best is gotten out of the elections.
The event which had in attendance, leaders of various political parties under the IPAC umbrella, representatives of the Resident Electoral Commissioners of INEC in Abia State and several civil society groups, had the several agendas for discussion.
While speaking, Rev. Ehiemere said that the conference was organized to help, Raise awareness and equip the citizenry with the know how, determination to actively participate in the forthcoming elections; promote a level playing field that will allow citizens from all walks of life engage in decision making process in a sustainable and effective way free from political discrimination intimidation and harassment; promote and build capacity of the Civil societies; sensitize and equip the electorate with a non-violent disposition, and approach that will discourage them from being used as tools for political crimes; Provide a change in government without violence and citizens owning the process and gaining a sense of participation in the process of choosing their leaders.
While speaking, the resident electoral commissioner of INEC said, out of over 2 million registered voters in Abia, over five hundred thousand are yet to collect their PVC’s.
The REC – Joseph Ilo represented by the head department of voter education and publicity, Mr Achibie Godfrey Chigozie assured of INEC preparedness and commitment to a free fair and credible elections. “We have been in the process of training our ad-hoc staff that will be used for the forthcoming elections. Last week we trained the security agents, next week we will be on that of the Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding officers, to ensure that they are prepared and armed with the best information for the work ahead” he said.
Futhermore, Mr Chigozie appealed that citizens should put efforts to ensure that the elections are conducted successfully to endure that the wishes of the people are reflected by the results.
Assistant Controller of Prisons in Abia State, Mr Mmadumere urged the people to be civil and follow the process, stating that the best every political party could do is to go to the grassroots and campaign effectively.
Some of the people who are returning to the environment were people who were in prison for the past four years. When they come out they are abandoned but recruited again by the politicians who have no interest. He vowed that the Nigerian Prison is not tired of keeping the people who are convicted.
The conference which was well attended by organizations such as, the Nigerian Labor Congress, civil society organizations and people interested in political happenings was organized by IPAC to chart a way forward with regards to the forthcoming election.