Oborevwori tasks electoral umpires on free, fair, credible elections

Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has charged electoral umpires to ensure free, fair, transparent, and credible elections that will generally reflect the will of the people.

The governor gave the charge while swearing-in the Chairman and members of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) on Monday in Asaba.

He said that Nigerians from all walks of life were desirous of an electoral process where the will of the people would prevail.

Those sworn-in were Dr Jerry Agbaike as Chairman, and Mr James Umukoro; Mr Friday Seimode; Mrs Light Diden; Mr Imasua Azogbulem; Mr Chris Onwuma and Chief Frank Oru as members.

The governor also swore in the Chairman and members of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission with Mr Joseph Otirhue as Chairman; while Mr. Anslem Nwokenye; Dame Minnie Igbrude and Philomena Ededey as members.

Also, the governor swore in Dr Austin Obidi as Chairman, and Dr Isaac Akpoveta as Director-General for the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.

He said the primary responsibility of (DSIEC) is to organize, undertake, and supervise all elections at local government councils within the state in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).

He said that members of the Commission were carefully selected to reflect the values of probity, accountability, and strength of character that they should possess.

Oborevwori urged members of the Commission to ensure that the will of voters prevails at all times in all elections they will organise.

He said: “It goes without saying that Nigerians from all walks of life are desirous of an electoral process where the will of the people will prevail. And the people of Delta are no exception.

“I charge the new members of DSIEC to model the values of honesty, transparency, impartiality, courage, and respect for the rule of law.

“As we gear up for the local government elections in 2024, it is my earnest expectation that you will hit the ground running.

“It is important that you immediately begin the process of interfacing with all registered political parties in the state and ensure free flow of information from the Commission to them and other relevant stakeholders.”

He said that rules and procedures for electioneering campaigns must be clearly spelt out and in a timely fashion.

“In order to have free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, electoral officers, especially ad-hoc staff, must be adequately trained.

“This has been a major undoing with elections in Nigeria, and I trust that you will avoid the ugly scenario of electoral officers who are clueless about their job by ensuring that they are grounded in sound democratic election processes.

“Similarly, I expect you to guide against the recurring problems of late arrival of electoral materials and personnel to the polling units. This will ensure a seamless voting process and elicit voter confidence,” he said.

The governor charged the Chairman and Members of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, to ensure probity in recruitment, promotion, discipline, and career development of staff of the councils.

He also urged the Chairman and Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission to exhibit the virtues of probity, transparency and accountability in their quest for Universal Health Coverage for the people.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Obidi thanked the governor for finding them fit to serve.

He pledged their resolve to uphold the principles of probity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties in their quest to contribute in advancing the M.O.R.E Agenda of the administration.

The State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Arthur Akpowowo, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso, were among dignitaries that attended the event.