FROM MAURICE OKAFOR,ENUGU.
The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).Enugu State chapter,has tasked traditional rulers in the state,to do all within their reach in ensuring that the 2023 General elections were without violence and rancour in all ramification.
INEC said that since the traditional rulers are custodians of the Peoples culture and tradition,and as the authorities who suprintend over the affairs of their respective communities at grass root level,It firmly believe that the Royal fathers have very important role to play in making the 2023 elections credible and devoid of violence in their various communities.
INEC gave this onerous task to Enugu Royal fathers,at an interactive session to seek their partnership in ensuring free and fair elections in their communities.
The Enugu INEC Administrative Officer,Engr Chidi Nwafor, who is also acting as the Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC) is to use the traditional rulers for Peace Keeping in their various communities.
He stated,”The aim of the meeting is to provide a platform to enable the electoral body and the Enugu Royal Fathers to exchange ideas on the best ways to avoid violence before.during and after the elections.Noting that the conventional and social had been awash with disturbing reports of pre election violence in some parts of the state, Hence the need to find ways to curb the situation”.
INEC urged the Enugu traditional rulers twn use their position to appeal to the candidates of the various political parties for the elections not to bend the rules.
The Enugu state Royal fathers while acknowledging INEC’s request tasked the commission to ensure that all electoral machines, card readers and logistics for the election are all put on ground to avoid the ugly previous experiences of difranchising eligible voters,who are eager to exercise their franchise.
Among Enugu state Royal fathers who were involved in the INEC interractive session were Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, the Patron, Enugu state traditional rulers council, Igwe Dr Titus Okolo. the traditional ruler of Amorji Nike,Igwe Abel Nwobodo. the traditional ruler of Amaragu Nara,in Nkanu West local government area, among others.
