The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated a seven-member Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), headed by Justice James Oyomire (Rtd.), to conduct elections into local government councils across the state.
At the swearing–in ceremony, in the Government House, Benin City, the Governor, directed the commission to be neutral in the conduct of the council poll and to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair and transparent.
Members of the Commission are, Justice James Oyomire [rtd], Mrs. Gladys Idahor, Mr. Uduafi Gabriel, Mr. Felix Ebhota, Mr. Okekuoyen Ehiedu, Mr. Michael Emmanuel and Mr. Vincent Aimienota.
Mr.Obaseki stated that the assignment of the new Commission is to midwife a new democratic dispensation at the local government councils and deepen the dividends of democracy as well as bring government closer to the people.
“We, as a government, are very sensitive to the role of the electoral umpire because we are beneficiaries of a free and fair process and having benefited from a free process, are fully committed to ensuring that others have the same privilege and benefits that we enjoyed, which brought us into power.”He noted.
He boasted that with the improvements in the electoral process in the state, there is hope of conducting a local government election that will be seen to be credible and acceptable by the people. He promised to support the Commission to deliver on its mandate.
“We have gone through a diligent and thorough process in selecting you; your records speak for themselves and therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that you have what it takes to succeed in this assignment.”The Governor said.
Mr. Obaseki appealed to all the political leaders and actors to play plain and allow people to choose who will lead them, adding that it is only when the right people are managing the affairs of the state that sustainable development can be guaranteed.
In his remarks, Justice Oyomire, thanked the governor for finding them worthy for the appointment, pledging that the commission will carry out its duty diligently in the interest of the people of Edo State.
By Besiru Enakhimion
