By Oghenero Orovwuje
The Civil Society Observers Coalition has called for a continuous voter education to enlighten citizens on the election process for the growth of democracy in the country.
The group made the call in Asaba while addressing the press on the outcome of the Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections which held last Saturday across the country.
In a communique read on behalf of the group, Comrade Okezie Odugala, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the improvement in the logistics arrangements as voting materials arrived the polling units early enough in most parts of the country and the electoral online vote reporting portal functioned optimally unlike the Presidential and National Assembly elections of 25th February, 2023.
Comrade Odugala, who said there were reports of voters inducement, killings, thuggery, and disenfranchisement of voters on the basis of ethnicity, especially in Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers States, condemned the acts and called for prosecution of those found wanting to serve as deterrent to others.
While calling for thorough investigation and prosecution of few cases of alleged compromise by some security agents, he commended the security agencies for their professional conduct.
Comrade Odugala, who lauded Nigerians for maintaining peace and not taking the laws into their hands, urged those aggrieved to seek legal redress and called on the Judiciary to remain the hope of the common man by dispensing truth and justice.
He stated that the electoral umpire must be independent and managed by persons of impeccable character and integrity, adding that Nigerians must do everything to promote peace, unity and progress.
In an interview, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Comrade Rex Anighoro, thanked Deltans and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for providing enabling environment and support for the Observers to carry out their duties effectively in the state.
Comrade Anighoro, who stated that there was voters apathy, described the election as free, fair and credible, saying that Nigerians came out peacefully to cast their votes for their chosen candidates.
The ceremony featured questions and answers session.