•Urges speedy dispensation of suits, seamless voter registration
A frontline contender for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the November 6, 2021 governorship election in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for early release of the timetable.
Addressing the press yesterday, Ozigbo also welcomed the sequencing, noting: “It makes room for adequate planning, which no doubt will engender smooth electoral process.”
He added: “I am certain that the early release of the timetable would prevent any form of ‘fire brigade’ approach. It would rather allow for well-planned and seamless executed electoral activities.
“Considering the complexity, rancorous nature, sky-high interests involved in electioneering processes, and the unique political environment of Anambra State, it is worthwhile and commendable on the part of INEC to bring the people up to speed on the commission’s electoral plans early enough.
“After all, anything worth doing is worth doing well, and no excellent job is ever done in haste.”
The gubernatorial hopeful observed that the long period between the primary and the main election “is a good omen and a pointer in the right direction, as it would allow for final resolution of disputes that may have arisen after the party’s primaries.”
The immediate past president and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc continued: “The salience of this situation if achieved, is that the voters will go to the polls with a clear mind of who the flag-bearers of the different political parties are.
Thus, cocksure of whom they are voting for.”
He urged the judiciary to resolve all litigations arising from the primaries before the main contest.
Ozigbo reminded the judicial arm of the government of its “prime of place in the sustenance of our nascent democracy.”
Summing up on this, he called in aid Socrates’ description of the essential qualities of a good judge: “to hear courteously; to answer wisely; to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.”
The aspirant equally advised politicians in the state against overheating the polity unduly, urging the current administration not to sacrifice governance on the altar of politicking.
He appealed to the electoral umpire to make the continuous voter registration exercise, pursuant to the election, people-friendly so that eligible citizens could participate with ease.
This, according to Ozigbo, would encourage a massive turnout of the people.
