The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria (FOSIECON) has commended Governor Alex Otti, OFR, for conducting a free, fair, credible and violent-free Local Government election in the State.
FOSIECON gave their commendation on Sunday November 3rd, when they paid the Governor a working visit at his Umuehim Nvosi country home, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, after observing the conduct of the November 2nd Local Government election, having visited different parts of the State where the election held.
The forum expressed satisfaction on the turnout of voters saying that it shows that the people are pleased with the administration of Governor Otti and are with him.
The leader of the delegation Hon. Sidi Ibrahim Mukhtar from the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) who spoke on behalf of the group said, it was their tradition to visit any State conducting Local Government election to observe, advice and learn in order to improve on their own elections. In his words, “We observed the election, we saw the number of people particularly the women who came out to vote. We told the chairman that what we saw and what you have done shows that the people are with you and we pray that this will continue”.
“We salute you and we congratulate you for conducting this successful, free and fair election. We moved freely, there was no where we were challenged”.
They thanked the Governor for providing them with security and all the necessary logistics to travel to different parts of the State where they observed the election.
Governor Otti thanked the FOSIECON for coming to Abia, for participating in the election, for their observation and positive comments. He expressed happiness on the huge turnout recorded in the election. He said he was satisfied with the outcome of the election which the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) won in 15 Local Government Areas and Young Progressives Party (YPP) won the remaining 2 Local Governments.
“We are happy that the turnout was quite huge. We are also happy that the election was transparent, free and fair. We are happy with the result that had just been declared less than 12 hours ago; I believe that everybody is also happy with it” Gov. Otti declared.
“In Abia, what we told our people is to seek out the best candidates and vote for them irrespective of political party. We believe that political parties are platforms but what makes the party are the individuals in the party”, Governor Otti stated.
He thanked the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission for the wonderful job they did in conducting a credible election. He said that some of the observation made will be worked on to continue to improve the electoral process.
The Chairman of Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. George Chima thanked Governor Otti for providing them with all they needed to make the November 2nd, Abia LG poll a huge success.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
