The leadership of the Abia state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has debunked the rumour circulating that the body is factional in the state.

 

The chairman of the body in the state and Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Reverend Augustine Ehiemere spoke at a Non-denominational church service held at the Cathedral of the St. Stephens Anglican Church, Umuahia Diocesan Headquarters, to dedicate the body to God and pray for the forthcoming general elections.

 

He said the body is committed to ensuring a level playing field for all parties involved in the state and therefore urged the people to ensure that they come out to vote, as only this will guarantee that their interests are represented in leadership.

 

Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state Dr JV Iloh, who was represented by the Head Department of Electoral Process Monitoring Mrs Bridget Izuka, urged the parties to abide by the rules of the game. She assured Abians of the willingness of INEC to conduct free, credible, fair and transparent elections in the state.

 

Mrs Izuka also took her time to answer questions from the people at the event, maintained that the process of collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) has been simplified and that with patience, the process will be made seamless.

 

While interacting with journalists, Rev Ehiemere said “the cardinal policies and focus of the IPAC are simple: raise awareness and equip the citizenry with the know-how, determination and participation in electoral process; promote a level playing field that will allow citizens from all works of life to engage in decision making; promote and build capacity of civil societies, community-based operations and citizens be able to monitor and defend citizens’ electoral rights and decisions, among many others.

Among dignitaries present were the chairmen of the various political parties in the state.