By Chioma Awujo
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has reiterated its commitment to conduct a free, fair and credible governorship election come November 11th in Imo State.
The Commission said it has reviewed its performance during the last general elections, identified the shortfalls and are ready to improve on the forthcoming exercise.
The Imo State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Prof. Sylvia Agu gave the assurance, recently while interacting with religious leaders in preparation for the coming guber poll.
She alleged that there were attempts by some people during the previous elections to sabotage the exercise, but the Commission was able to handle it and pulled through successfully.
Prof. Agu insisted that though the outcome may not have favoured sections of interested parties, but the Commission did its best in discharging its constitutionally spelt out duties and in accordance to the rules of law.
While stressing on the important roles of the religious leaders as agents of change and opinion moulders, the Imo INEC boss appealed to them to support the Commission in its effort to achieve improved performance in the entire exercise.
She said, "you are conversant with the circumstances that put us as one of the states conducting off cycle election, where our gubernatorial elections shall be conducted on November 11th alongside Bayelsa and Kogi States.
"Therefore, it becomes very necessary to gather us together to solicit your usual cooperation in the area of sensitizing your members to be part of the process."
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She continued, "you are all super models in your own rights and as such occupy a large space in moulding the characters and thoughts of the electorates. You have the capacity to engage them and turn them into being patriotic citizens.
"I therefore, request that you partner with INEC in sensitizing and encouraging your members to actively participate in the election process, from PVC collection to voting on election day and protecting their votes in line with electoral guidelines. You have the capacity to handle this."
"Please continue to pray for our country and with God on our side, we will succeed." she added.
Responding, Rev. Eches Divine Eches, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Imo State chapter and Prince Bashir Muhammed Uwakwe, Chairman, Imo State Muslim Council, among others promised to assist with effort that would help ensure that the coming guber election meets the expectations of the people.
They commended Prof. Agu for her determined effort to ensure that the election exercise is hitch-free and also, offered prayers for God's intervention over the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
They also appealed to the entire Imo citizens to embrce and support effort that would make the coming election in the state credible and peaceful.
