The Eleruwa of Eruwa in Oyo state, Oba Samuel Adegbola, has implored the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain an unbiased umpire before, during and after 2019 general elections.
Adegbola gave the advice on Thursday during the election stakeholders meeting in Ibarapa zone, organised by INEC at Eruwa town hall.
The monarch observed that activities of the commission, under the leadership of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, were encouraging and transparent.
He urged staff of the commission to sustain the transparency and neutrality as they prepared for the forthcoming general elections.
The monarch specifically made reference to the excellent performance of the commission during the May 2, by-election in Ibarapa East State Constituency.
He also called on the commission to build on its successes during the forthcoming general elections by ensuring that votes count.
The traditional ruler promised to intensify efforts in sensitising his subjects, on the need to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and shun vote selling.
Earlier, Mr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, solicited the support of the Eleruwa in reaching out to owners of unclaimed PVCs to come forward to collect them.
According to Agboke, 787,930 PVCs were still in the custody of the commission in the state, awaiting collection.
“Out of this number, owners of 29,565 PVCs uncollected are residing in the three local government areas in Ibarapa zone.
“The Ibarapa zone consists of Ibarapa East with 15,587 PVCs, Ibarapa North with 6,558 PVCs and Ibarapa Central with 7,420 PVCs.
“I appeal to our traditional institutions and politicians to assist the commission in sensitising owners of these cards to come forward for collection.
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“In addition, INEC is appealing to all eligible voters not to sell their votes during elections, because doing such would amount to mortgaging their future and that of their unborn children.
“The commission is ready to conduct free and fair elections come 2019 and we implore all electorate to support INEC to achieve success,”Agboke said.
Also speaking, Mr Jacob Akintola, the Vice-Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government Area, promised the council would collaborate with INEC to ensure that owners of the unclaimed PVCs collect them.
Akintola, however, urged INEC to prevail on its staff not to derail from the right steps taken so far regarding preparations for the forthcoming elections. (NAN)
