Delta State Governor Charges Electoral Umpires: “Ensure Free, Fair, and Transparent Elections,” He Urges
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a clarion call to electoral umpires, demanding their unwavering commitment to ensuring free, fair, transparent, and credible elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people. The Governor delivered this charge during the swearing-in ceremony of Chairman and members of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) on Monday in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the collective desire of Nigerians from all walks of life for an electoral process that prioritizes the will of the people. He underscored the importance of the DSIEC’s primary responsibility, which is to organize, undertake, and supervise all elections to local government councils within the state, in strict accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).
Members of the Commission, including Dr. Jerry Agbaike as Chairman, and Mr. James Umukoro, Mr. Friday Seimode, Mrs. Light Diden, Mr. Imasua Azogbulem, Mr. Chris Onwuma, and Chief Frank Oru as members, were carefully selected to embody the values of probity, accountability, and strength of character.
Governor Oborevwori urged DSIEC members to prioritize the will of voters in all elections they oversee. He said, “It goes without saying that Nigerians from all walks of life are desirous of an electoral process where the will of the people prevails. Deltans are no exception.” The Governor stressed the importance of honesty, transparency, impartiality, courage, and respect for the rule of law in the electoral process.
Addressing the upcoming local government elections in 2024, Governor Oborevwori expressed his expectation that the DSIEC would engage with all registered political parties in the state promptly. He called for clear and timely communication of electioneering campaign rules and procedures, as well as rigorous training for electoral officers, particularly ad-hoc staff, to prevent election-related issues.
Governor Oborevwori also highlighted the critical role of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, whose responsibility includes overseeing the management of local government council affairs, such as recruitment, promotion, discipline, and career development of staff. He emphasized the importance of members of the Commission conducting their duties without bias, prejudice, or favoritism.
As the government body closest to the grassroots, local government councils play a pivotal role in governance. Governor Oborevwori urged the new Commission members to provide strong and effective leadership, ensuring the delivery of services and meeting the needs of the people while promoting professionalism and organizational capacity within the councils
In addition, the Chairman and Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Austin Obidi and Dr. Isaac Akpoveta respectively, were urged to uphold the virtues of probity, transparency, and accountability in their efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage for Deltans.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr. Austin Obidi expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for their appointments and pledged their commitment to upholding the principles of probity, transparency, and accountability in their duties. They promised to spare no effort in advancing the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, Air Vice Marshall Frank Ajobena, and Chief Mrs. Nkem Okwuofu, among others.
