...Plans 1m Man March for INEC
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has reaffirmed his confidence in the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Joash Amupitan.
Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato Federal Constituency and is the Caucus Leader of the Action Peoples Party (APP), said his trust followed INEC’s decision to halt the proposed relocation of the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency headquarters and collation centre from Urualla to Dikenafai in Imo State.
The lawmaker, in a statement issued on Friday, commended Prof. Amupitan and the Federal Commissioners for what he described as a demonstration of institutional due process, consultation, verification and consideration of public interest in arriving at the decision.
According to him, the development has further strengthened his confidence in the capacity of the new INEC leadership to operate independently and ensure fairness, transparency, neutrality and credibility in the nation’s electoral process.
He said information available to him indicated that the Commission subjected the matter to its internal processes of engagement and verification before reaching its decision to halt the proposed relocation.
According to him, the decision was an indication that INEC was prepared to listen to stakeholders and protect the integrity of its processes.
“I want to thank, on behalf of the good people of Ideato, the leadership of INEC under the able and reform-minded leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, alongside the Federal Commissioners, for ensuring that due process and public interest remain central to the Commission’s decision-making.”
Ugochinyere also commended the people of Ideato and other stakeholders who peacefully expressed their concerns during the period of uncertainty surrounding the proposed relocation.
He particularly appealed to traditional rulers, President-Generals, youths, political parties, religious leaders and other community stakeholders to use the development as an opportunity to promote reconciliation and restore peace.
The lawmaker urged all parties involved in the disagreement to forgive one another and put the collective interest of Ideato above individual or political differences.
“As your trusted messenger, I urge all our people to immediately forgive one another and cease all hostilities in the overall interest of peace and continued peaceful coexistence. Let us find a place in our hearts to forgive those whose desires might have clashed with our general interest.”
He further called on the people of Ideato to continue supporting the current INEC leadership as it pursues reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.
Ugochinyere said credible elections could only be achieved when citizens and stakeholders support institutions charged with conducting elections while also holding them accountable through lawful and democratic means.
He expressed confidence that the Commission, under Prof. Amupitan and its Federal Commissioners, would continue to uphold the principles of independence, fairness, transparency and neutrality in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
“I urge our people to publicly continue to support and have confidence in the present INEC leadership, led by Prof. Amupitan and his Federal Commissioners, and pray that God will continue to sustain them in their ongoing efforts and reforms to drive us towards credible, peaceful and public confidence-driven elections.”
The Ideato lawmaker also proposed a peaceful rally by stakeholders in the constituency to publicly reaffirm their confidence in INEC and promote unity among the people.
He said such a gathering would provide an opportunity for the people of Ideato to demonstrate that disagreements over public issues could be resolved through dialogue, institutional processes and peaceful engagement.
