... Lauds INEC, Police over successful Delta by-election poll
By Chukwudi Osuji
The National Director of Citizens Advocate for Peace is Possible in Nigeria, CAPIPIN, Mr. Chibuike Akujuobi has urged Nigeria election stakeholders to continue to prioritize efforts that strengthen peace and unity as well as enhance good governance and overall development in the country.
Akujuobi stated this when he led CAPIPIN delegation on courtesy visits to some key stakeholders in Delta State including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Delta State, Sir. Etekamba Udo Umoren; the State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, the Oshimili South Council Chairman; Hon. Ezenyili Kelvin Obi at their respective offices, recently.
He insisted that until the leaders and other key stakeholders play their roles effectively and efficiently, efforts to restore and sustain citizens' confidence in electoral processes, security and also ensure accountability and transparency in the governance of the country would remain a mirage or unachievable.
He expressed optimism that the forthcoming 2027 general elections in Nigeria would be credible, free, fair, transparent and acceptable by the citizens and urged the electorate especially the youths to shun all forms of violence and practices that may truncate the election process or compromise its credibility.
According to him, "with the level of commitment demonstrated by both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the security agencies, so far in recent elections conducted, there is no doubt that Nigerians votes in 2027 would count and their mandate upheld.
"What is left is for us, the electorate, especially the youths to play our own part well by resisting attempts to use us as tools to sabotage the process by involving ourselves in any form of electoral malpractices, killings or causing breakdown of peace, law and order during the entire election exercise." he advised.
Akujuobi maintained that CAPIPIN would continue to partner and collaborate with every stakeholder in promoting peace and discouraging all acts and attempts that threaten existing peace, unity and security of Nigeria and her citizens, while appealing to all and sundry to embrace peaceful dialogue over engaging in violence or war towards resolving crisis or conflict.
CAPIPIN boss also commended the Delta INEC boss, the police chief and the Oshimili LGA chairman for their visible achievements and contributions to boost Nigeria democracy, guarantee adequate security, advance good governance and quality leadership in the state: and called on other stakeholders to emulate them.
In their respective remarks, Sir Umeron, CP Erale, Hon. Obi among other stakeholders visited, appreciated CAPIPIN for the visit and for their vision and commitment for a peaceful and progressive Nigeria. They pledged their partnership with the peace advocacy group in ensuring that peace continues to reign in the country.
In a related development, CAPIPIN members also participated actively in monitoring the just concluded Saturday's Udu Council House of Assembly by-election, being one of the Election Obversers accredited by the commission for the exercise.
Speaking to newsmen, Akujuobi expressed satisfaction with the smoothness of the exercise, stressing that more awareness campaign should be deployed to encourage citizens on the need to participate actively during elections, needed to safeguard the country's democracy.
