SIEC, others canvass for credible LG poll

Bolaji Ogundele, Port Harcourt - 13.01.2008

The chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Prof Nimi Briggs has underlined the need for men and women of proven integrity to align themselves with the commission in order to ensure a successful local government election in the state.

Prof Briggs, smarting from his recent ordeal in the hands of kidnappers, told a gathering of diverse professional bodies in Port Harcourt at the weekend that the local government polls was crucial to the development of the state.

According to him, the commission was ready to ensure a level playing field for all candidates sponsored by various political parties, noting that they have a mandate to salvage the state’s electoral system.

Prof Briggs also defended his decision to appoint professionals as adhoc staff, saying it was because of the commission’s quest to achieve maximum result, vowing that they would ensure that politicians do not hijack the process.

The erudite scholar also said that the commission would publish the voters register and list of adhoc staff ahead of the elections to enable the public make criticism and clarifications on the integrity of the persons engaged.

The commission also made a formal presentation of the guidelines for the upcoming elections in which the chairman said it was the outcome of several meetings held with stakeholders and in line with the country’s constitution.

Presenting the documents, renowned writer, Captain Elechi Amadi said the code of conduct among other things emphasises that the political parties and staff should resist the temptation of giving or receiving gratification, stressing that greed and corruption is the number one enemy of the country.

Chairman of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, Mr. Tamunor Robert in his address lauded the document and expressed belief that the Prof Briggs-led commission would conduct a peaceful, free and fair poll.