Delta state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has directed the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) to conduct credible local government Elections in the state as soon as possible.

Governor Uduaghan, who gave the directive yesterday in Asaba at the swearing-in ceremony of the Chairman and members of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, explained that the delay in the conduct of the local government elections in the state had no ulterior motive.

According to him, the state faced some challenges in the process of re-constituting the commission.

The governor, who reiterated the desire of his administration to return representative democracy to the grassroots, enjoined the commission to work assiduously for the success of the local government elections, especially as “the success of the elections would determine the future of grassroots governance and indeed democracy”.

“The success of elections at this level means you have played your role of strengthening democracy at the grassroots which is the foundation. As umpires at this level, you are critical to the overall future of our democracy.”

While restating his belief that the local government elections would be realistic and credible, Dr. Uduaghan urged the commission to “immediately come up with the necessary arrangements for the Local Government Elections.”

He urged the Commission to build a political culture among the electorate that would promote values of a united and strong nation which was anchored on patriotism devoid of any sentiments or affiliations.

Dr Uduaghan charged the Commission to carry out their duties and responsibilities with due diligence explaining that they had a role to play in strengthening democracy at the grassroots.

The Governor assured the political class of a level playing ground during the elections and admonished them to show maturity in their conduct and do nothing to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the state.

In a brief address, the Chairman, Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Moses Ogbe promised that the commission would carry out its duties through the guidance of the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and build a strong human capital base for the effective and efficient management of elections and electoral-related matters in the state.

He stated that efforts were being made to ensure that members of the staff of the commission were groomed to become professionals in electoral administration,  noting that training and development would be accorded top priority.

He called on Deltans, political parties, civil societies and organizations and the mass media to support the Commission’s quest to conduct credible, free and fair elections that would make Delta state the envy of all in the country.

Mr. Ogbe expressed his sincere appreciation to Governor Uduaghan for finding them worthy to serve the state and assured the state government that the Commission would do all within the scope of the law as well as with their experiences to justify their appointment.

“We consider it a great privilege to be called upon to serve Delta state and with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we shall strive to conduct elections that will meet the expectations of the people”.

This is a welcome development . Thanks to the Governor for doing the right thing.