By Anderson Ozuma.
According to Longman dictionary of contemporary English, election is an occasion when people vote to choose someone for an official position. It is the major ingredient for sustainable democracy which must be fair, credible and acceptable to the electorates. It is also the formal process of selecting a person for public office or rejecting political proposition by voting. Therefore, the transparency and integrity of the process must be guaranteed.
Professor Emeritus of political science, University of Jos, Jonah Isawa Elaigwu, in the newswatch magazine of December 21st 2009 identified some points which he described as the minimum characteristics of democracy, such as authority which emanated from the people and element of choice because the people must have the right to effect change in the leadership or the government through a periodic election.
It was by such authority from the people, as well as fair, credible and acceptable choice that Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru emerged as Governor of Ebonyi State. Today, the picture is rightly clear because Ebonyi people are happy for making the right decision.
The monumental and quantum of achievements that have been recorded by the present administration are incomparable. There are numerous empowerment life changing programs initiated by this administration which has drastically reduced unemployment, crime and youth restiveness. The sponsorship of over 300 Ebonyians to United Kingdom and over 500 others in Nigeria Universities is a great feat that must be appluaded by people of goodwill. The prompt and consistent payment of salary to the state workforce, pensions , gratuities and death benefits to the next of kin of deceased workers have rekindled faith in government to the retirees.
The restoration of peace in all crisis prone communities is another landmark project of this administration just to mention but a few. These were all made possible because Ebonyi people found in Governor Nwifuru the character and ideas of a quintessential leader and made the right choice and decision in 2023. A self effacing leader. A man of his words. It is evident all over the world especially in Ebonyi State that when voters make the right choice in voting credible candidates, the people rejoice.
It is apt to enjoin Ebonyi people as they prepare for the forthcoming local government election to elect their grassroots leaders across the 13 local government areas of the state for the Chairmanship and Councillorship to come out enmasse to vote for candidates of their choice as voting constiutes the highest and best expression of the sovereign will of the people. They should vote according to their conscience and shun any form of inducement.
Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC headed by a renowned technocrat Chief Patrick Enyi alongside capable EBSIEC Commissioners and experienced staff members of the commission are prepared to ensure a seamless exercise. The commission has assured Ebonyi people that the will conduct the most credible, freest and fairest local government election in the history of the nation. An election which will be in tandem with the enabling law that will reflect the wish of the people. Ebonyians should believe and encourage the state electoral umpire to fulfill and honor the responsibility it owes them.
The people should always appreciate and support the state government in its periodic efforts to conduct local government elections at regular and reasonable intervals.
To encourage citizens participation in electoral process the electoral umpire has assured transparency and eschewing bias. Political parties should therefore play in accordance with electoral guidelines, inflammatory statements that could undermine peace and security must be avoid, also People should shun any form of misconduct such as thuggery, snatching of ballot box, victimization and verbal attacks and vote buying. Security agencies should show professionalism and resolute in protecting lives, securing the electoral process and preserving peace through out the election. Furthermore, the media should verified information before disseminating it to the public and avoid unbias reportage. Political office holders should be committed on delivering on their campaign promises. They should run all inclusive participatory administration where everyone is carried along, but it is very unfortunate that some neglect the people, close their doors and even refuse to pick phone calls when they assume office.
Consequently, as the council poll draws closer the electorates should ensure that the participate actively as democracy rest on the participation of the citizens. They should turn out in their large numbers to vote for their preferred candidates come Saturday 22nd, August 2026.
To this end, Ebonyi people must understand that election is not a do or die affair. Both winners and losers should show spirit of sportsmanship and work together for the overall interest of the citizens.
