CAN applauds INEC for electoral measures

oge okonkwo

January 9, 2015 3:30 PM

The bishop called on all stakeholders in the electoral process to support the commission to conduct credible and acceptable elections in the country

Chairman of Benue chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yiman Orkwar has commended INEC for evolving scientific measures to minimise electoral malpractices in 2015 general elections.

Bishop Orkwar gave the commendation on Friday in Makurdi in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the card reader machine and the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) were some of the measures the commission introduced to stem rigging.

The bishop called on all stakeholders in the electoral process to support the commission to conduct credible and acceptable elections in the country.

Orkwar explained that the credibility of the polls would determine the character of the next government and strengthen the nation’s democracy.

The clergy warned political actors against deliberate plans to sabotage the efforts of INEC in ensuring that “every man’s vote counts.”

He also appealed to the government not to interfere with the conduct of the polls by allowing INEC the freedom to discharge its duties.

The CAN chairman advised politicians to avoid personality attacks during campaigns but to centre their campaigns on issues affecting the economy.

“Let your campaigns be issue-based to allow Nigerians the opportunity of electing the best amongst you into political offices.

“”There should be no mud-slinging; politicians should hold issue-based campaigns and refrain from personality attacks.

“Let the candidates tell Nigerians how they intend to resolve the insecurity in parts of the country, fix the energy problem and tackle the declining value of the Naira,” he said.

oge okonkwo