By Joseph Adams
The Chairman, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr Mamman Nda-Eri has called on electoral officers to ensure that the electoral process reflects the will of the people.
Mr. Nda-Eri made the call at a one day training workshop for electoral officers, Adhoc staff and polling unit agents for the nineteenth October Local government elections in the state.
The Local government is the third tier of government in Nigeria and exists as a single tier across all states.
Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees a system of Local Government run by democratically elected councils and requires all states to enact legislation providing for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of Local Government councils.
Addressing electoral officers, Mr Nda-Eri said the local government elections are significant opportunities for democracy to thrive.
He urged them to ensure that every eligible vote counts advising them to take the exercise very seriously.
The organizer of the seminar, Mr Bamidele Suru, representing Equity promotion Nigeria Limited, advised the electoral officers to take the training seriously as they are saddled with the responsibility of electing and not choosing them.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, the Taru Ohio Ube of Ajaokuta, His Royal Highness, Ismaila Mohammed appreciated the commission for the seminar and promised to encourage the people in their various domains to abide by the rules.
The State Chairman, electoral officers, Comrade Mahmud Ojonugwa- Brown thank SIEC for the opportunity and promised to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The Chairperson, Kogi NGO network, Comrade Idris Ozovehe stated that as people vested with the responsibility of monitoring elections, he trusts in the ability of the organizer, Mr Bamidele Suru to deliver on his promises.
The training which started on 30th September to October Fourth is expected to be extended to adhoc staff in the Central Senatorial District, Kogi East and Okun land .
