ANAMBRA: THE CHURCH MUST BE INVOLVED -INEC

INEC in the state has continued its enlightenment programme for critical stakeholders, towards a free, fair and transparent 2019 polls

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nkwachukwu Oji led his Advocacy team to the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor and that of the Anglican communion, Bishop Alexander Ibezim.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Oji who said that the meeting was imperative considering the place of the church in the larger society and the fast approaching 2019 elections and the need to brief the religious leaders about the preparations made so far , seek their support towards educating their congregation and the political class to ensure that they are abreast with the lay down principles of the electoral processes.

The state INEC boss revealed that the Commission is at it last phase of preparation which includes the ongoing training of twenty four thousand Ad-hoc officers, distribution of non sensitive materials to the five thousand, seven hundred and twenty polling units while deployment of Ad-hoc officers will commence soon.

Dr. Orji who made it clear that the 2019 election results will be delayed due to the huge additional four million registered voters between 2015 to date and an increased number of registered political parties with their candidates, urged the citizenry to be patient with the Commission as they would be fair and objective in all their dealings.

While stressing that it is only in the selection of leaders that Nigerians have the opportunity of reshaping and making decisions about the future of the country ,Bishop Ezeokafor acknowledged the improvement in the state INEC system and advised the Commission to fashion out ways of regulating the increasing rate of political parties as it will minimize invalid votes during elections, noting that no elective position is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

Receiving the team, Bishop Ibezim said the visit will go a long way in educating the citizenry and advocated that INEC should equally carry the message home in ensuring that what is on paper is practicalised praying God to strengthen their efforts in doing the right thing for the well being of all.