By Mumini Abdulkareem
The need for integrity in the electoral process in Kwara State and the country at large has again been reiterated as a prerequisite for the conduct of credible elections in Nigeria.
To this end, in order to achieve the conduct of free, fair and credible election in the country, there is need for the electoral umpire to continue to engage people of impeccable character to man its affairs.
The Executive Council of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kwara State chapter under the leadership of Professor Opoola Timothy made the assertion when they paid a courtesy visit to the State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ilorin.
Professor Timothy who commended INEC for the successful conduct of the 2019 General Election in the state, noted that the feat was only possible because the leadership of the electoral umpire was committed to ensuring that the will of the people prevail and votes count.
The CAN chairman said that the association was happy with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (RE), Mallam Garba Attahiru-Madami for keeping to his words despite the tempting nature of his assignment.
Professor Timothy who implored INEC to ensure integrity of its staff as they like the Judiciary, are the last hope of the electorate, said that when elections results are generally acceptable, it discourages political apathy in subsequent elections.
Responding, the Kwara INEC REC, appreciated CAN and other stakeholders for their roles, support and doggedness which lead to the success attained in the elections.
Madami announced that the Commission would invite all stakeholders to a meeting where they would critique the elections and advise the INEC on the way forward.
The INEC REC also applauded the harmonious religious atmosphere in Kwara State and urged stakeholders to sustain it.
