Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, said yesterday in Akure that the compilation of a credible voters’ register is the first step towards ensuring credible polls in 2011. He made this statement at the opening ceremony of this year’s press week organised by the State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Mr Mimiko said Nigerians must come together to ensure that the voters’ registration is carried out without manipulation, saying a faulty voters’ register cannot produce a credible election.
He advised the Independent National Electoral Commission to make adequate preparations towards ensuring that the final voters’ register is a reflection of the country’s electorate.
The Governor also called on journalists not to allow themselves to be bought by selfish politicians who want power at all cost and encouraged them to see themselves as the watchdog of the society.
According to him, “to sustain democracy and have good governance, stakeholders must obey the rule of law and due process, we must build conscious and well-organised civil society to hold public office holders accountable to the electorate. Political parties must also take their responsibilities seriously.”
“2011 elections will be a test case for President Jonathan who has promised us free and fair elections.
Freedom of choice is a crucial cardinal of democracy, if there is no free and fair election, then democracy is dead, the logic of such poll actually transcends the basic demand for human rights since it confers legitimate authority on elected leaders which is extremely vital to good governance.” He said.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State chapter, Dele Atunbi challenged the federal government to ensure that proactive steps are taken in tackling the rate of unemployment of youths in the country.
Mr. Atunbi said for the best interest of the nation, the issue of one man one vote should be emphasised to the electorates in order to give room for credible representatives.
“The NUJ is of the opinion that a credible election is anchored on one man one vote devoid of any manipulation. This is in the best interest of the nation.” He said.
Mr. Atunbi also lamented the delay in the passing of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill by the National Assembly, saying the development was not good for the journalism profession.
Source:http://234next.com/
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