By Roland Ike
Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi state has dispelled the notion that the Local Government Area election in the state on Saturday was marred by voter apathy.
Observers said the exercise held across the 13 Council Areas of the state was marred by voter apathy and that at the various polling units visited, journalists were more than voters.
But Nwifuru who voted at Edukwu Okemini 002 polling unit of Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi LGA at 11.15am, said voters in his ward for instance, contended with several factors such as rain and farm engagements.
The governor said that voters were therefore not required to stay at their polling units after voting due to such factors.
“The rain made many people to vote and go as you don’t expect them to stay after voting.
“This is farming season and most people who have voted went to their farms.”
Nwifuru called on governors across the country to ensure the conduct of LGA polls as it was constitutional and the best for the councils.
“Nigeria’s constitution does not permit governors to appoint Council Chairmen and any law made by the House of Assembly on such is a nullity.
“I support the recent Supreme Court judgement on LGA autonomy and we are still studying aspects of of the judgment we are not comfortable with.”
Nwifuru urged the people to vote for candidates of their choice in order to hold elected leaders accountable.
“When you fail to vote, the winner will say you didn’t vote for him and therefore, not accountable to you.
“When the people vote, the leaders would be struggling to survive and at the same time, trying to fulfill the pledges made to the people during campaigns.”
He described the voting process as peaceful and credible insisting that the wishes of the electorate must prevail.
“I wish the present atmosphere be sustained until the Ebonyi Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) announces the results.
“The process is credible and you can see that other political parties participated.
“I am optimistic that my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win resoundingly.”
