Present Credible Candidates For A Free, Fair Election -Amaechi
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has called on all political parties in the country to put forward credible candidates that would help them win elections in a free and fair manner.
Governor Amaechi made the call on when the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt as part of his official campaign rally to the state.
The governor, who explained that rigging of election, would be possible when the electorate show apathy towards the outcome of elections, noting that if people protect their votes it would be difficult to rig elections.
He also identified poverty in the society as a bane of electoral malpractice, as some party agents see the opportunity as an avenue to make money and connive with rich politicians to undo their parties.
The State Chief Executive said his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are undertaking an elaborate campaign in all parts of the country preaching free and fair election in which votes would count and enjoined other parties to canvass for votes now instead of planning how to rig the April elections.
While assuring the CPC Presidential Candidate that the state was free for all aspirants to canvass for votes, Governor Amaechi also sounded it loud that the PDP will not rig any election in Rivers State.
According to the governor, the way to stop, rigging of elections is to protect our votes which come with security, emphasizing that it does not require violence but to communicate the results announced at each polling unit.
The governor explained that in spite of PDP’s popularity in Rivers State, it is doing a massive campaign and assured other parties of fair opportunity to canvass for votes to enable the electorate make their choice, pointing out that the state would witness one of the freest elections ever because votes must count.
He observed that other parties are not campaigning as much as the PDP in the state, except some that are campaigning on the media, adding that if they don’t campaign they should not complain when they lose and thanked the CPC candidate for the visit.
Earlier, the CPC Presidential Candidate for the April election, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari said he was in the state in continuation of his nationwide campaign to solicit support from the people of Rivers State.
Buhari advocated that Nigerian leaders need to convince the people that they can have free, fair and credible election, noting that the people should be able to choose their leaders and remove them when they fail to perform.
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
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