Mike ODIAKOSE
Nigeria League of Veteran Journalists, NILVEJ wants the successes and gains achieved by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in the Ekiti state Governorship election to be sustained and replicated in the 2023 general election.
In a statement issues to newsmen in Abuja, the National President of the League, Chief Oliver Okpala hailed INEC for what he described as a ‘wonderful performance’ in the Ekiti Governorship poll.
According to Chief Okpala, the early arrival and delivery of electoral material at polling units as well as prompt commencement of accreditation and voting made the exercise hitch free and transparent for all to see.
“The commencement of accreditation and voting which was done simultaneously also helped in improving the exercise”
According to him, “this cut off the loss of interest and which was associated with the earlier method of accreditation, going away to wait before coming back to vote at a later time”
“So we are systematically and significantly reducing voter apathy”
“Additionally, the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BIVAS machines in the Ekiti State election proved to be indeed a cutting edge technological innovation”
Chief Okpala said the security agencies also proved their mettle by ensuring a peaceful and orderly process.
He emphasized that the peace which pervaded the entire atmosphere is one that gives hope to the entire nation especially as the nation prepares for the 2023 general election.
This according to him, is INEC’s last performance and it is a great standard that can be used to assess the Commission.
It inspires us all that we can get it right.
“I therefore call on all stakeholders to support INEC to repeat the same feat in the general election”
“I urge journalists across the country to work closely with INEC to ensure the superlative success of the 2023 poll”
“From what INEC has done in Ekiti it shows they are well prepared for 2023” he concluded.
