Nigerian Govt agencies to partner INEC on credible polls in Bayelsa

Federal Government agencies and parastatals in Bayelsa have pledged their readiness to partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) toward achieving credible polls and foster national growth.

The agencies, under the aegis of Association of Heads of Federal Agencies, made the pledge on Wednesday in Yenagoa, during a solidarity visit led by its Chairman, Mr Bernard Akpedi, to INEC management in Yenagoa.

Akpedi said the visit, attended by all heads of Federal Government agencies in the state, was to strengthen partnership and synergy between the association and INEC in the state.

“As Federal Government parastatals, we are bonded by common objectives. Also, the importance of teamwork among the parastatals to nation-building cannot be overemphasised.

“In this regard, we are ready to support any policy, aimed at sustainable development, especially before, during and after the forthcoming general elections in Bayelsa,” he said.

Receiving members of the association, Mr Clement Oha, INEC Administrative Secretary in the state, described their visit as commendable in the efforts to bring all the Federal agencies in the state together.

He gave assurance of the readiness of INEC to work with the association, stressing that all hands must be on deck to achieve credible elections in 2019.

“INEC is ready to conduct free, fair and credible election in 2019 general elections for the collective interest of the nation.

‘’We want to urge those that have not registered to find time to register in any of the 30 designated registration centres across the state.

“INEC is open to suggestions because the greatest advantage of democracy is in its openness.

‘’The commission has been sensitising the general public on the need to register and have their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order not be disenfranchised,” Oha said.