Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State on Thursday charged the newly constituted State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) to immediately draw up a schedule for the conduct of local government election in the State.
Ihedioha made the disclosure during the swearing in exercise of the electoral officers at the Government House, Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The Chairman of the commission is Barr. Julius Onyenaucheya, while other members of the commission are, Mrs. Ngozi Duru – Commissioner (Okigwe), Barr. Ambrose Ugboaja – Commissioner (Owerri), Prof. Sam Onyekuru – Commissioner (Owerri), Dr. Chinedu Iwu – Commissioner (Okigwe), Dr. N. N Nwanesi – Commissioner (Orlu), and Barr. Nwando Anyasinti – Commissioner (Orlu).
According to him, ISIEC must adhere to the 150 days notice of elections as required by the Electoral Act, even as he maintained that election must hold not beyond December, 2019.
The Governor assured that government will provide all the resources required and the enabling environment to discharge their duties.
Further, he called on them to liase with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt the best practices to ensure all political parties are provided a level playing ground.
According to him, the election must be free and fair, adding that all aspirants should be free to contest without any form of intimidation.
He said “You have no time left as you must give 150 days notice of elections as required by the Electoral Act. We expect your time table within one week”.
The chairman, Barr. Onyenaucheya in his remarks, thanked the Governor for the trust reposed in them and assured that they will conduct a free and fair election, adding that votes will count.
Present at the Swearing-in ceremony were the Deputy Governor, Engr Gerald Irona; former Governor of Imo State, Chief Dr Ikedi Ohakim, amongst other Government functionaries.
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