28th January, 2011
The Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure more transparency in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The party decried the slow pace of work at registration centres and the ill-trained personnel the commission employed for the exercise.
The chairman of CPC, Lagos State, Ajibade Emiabata told Political Platform that National Youth Corps, NYSC, members have jeopardized the exercise, accusing them of giving preference to members of some political parties over others. “The corps members are only mortgaging their future for a better life. I hope they get jobs after their service year because with their attitude, they are selling their future, †he said.
Emiabata warned INEC not to disenfranchise the millions of Nigerians who are yet to register because of the problems plaguing the exercise. He said INEC may find it difficult to register Nigerians who are willing to vote.
He opined that the commission may have to extend the duration of the exercise beyond the two weeks stipulated. “I think INEC should extend the exercise by a week so that Nigerians can exercise their voting rights in the general elections,†he stated.
He urged Nigerians to vote right and vote for the party that have their interests at heart. He used the opportunity to advise youths, pleading that they eshew violence. “Nigerians should come and vote for a party with vision. A party that is transparent, a party that is credible. This is our opportunity to change this country. We must not allow ourselves to be used by politicians who want public office because of their selfish desires.â€
Emiabata expressed optimism about his party’s chances in the forthcoming elections in Lagos State. Though the competition will be keen, he called for free and fair elections in April.
“Our candidate is a credible one and he is the ideal person to rule this state,†he explained.
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