2019 election: INEC assures Bayelsa electorates of free, fair, credible election

Akam James, Yenagoa

Barely 72hrs to the 2019 generation election in the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has re-assured electorate that it was committed to conducting a free, fair, credible and all inclusive election in Bayelsa state. The state Residence Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Monday Tom Udoh, gave the assurance at a one day stakeholder’s forum on the “Preparations for 2019 general elections”, on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the state capital. Udoh, reiterated that every one man’s vote in the forthcoming election must count, noting that the International community, foreign observers all have their focus on the election and they have the mandate to deliver. He further stated that the commission does not have any vote to give to politicians rather the people are the ones with the mandate to choose their leaders, adding that all the necessary materials for the election to go smoothly will be provided. While educating the stakeholders on the importance of seeing elections as a game and not war, he noted that if any candidate of a particular party does not win elections today if can be his or her turn tomorrow, adding that INEC is under oath to conduct a transparent election. “No election is a war, if you don’t win today, you might tomorrow. No election is worth dying for, don’t kill or run anybody down because of positions. Political parties come and go but the people will remain. Don’t use arms” According to the Administrative Secretary, Mr. Nduh Lebari Sampson, non- sensitive materials for the elctions are ready and are being shared to the various polling units, adding that the state has 105 registration area camps where men and materials will be kept for safety till the Election Day. He disclosed that the commission has signed MOU with three key stakeholders for the circulation of materials, which includes the National Union of Road Transport workers, National Association of Road Transport workers and the National Association of Road Transport Owners, adding that 10 percent of vehicle and boat mop up is achieved. He also stated that the votes of every eligible voter in the state will not only count but will consolidate the gains of democracy in the state, advising that nobody should sell their right for peanuts.