The new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Enugu State, Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, has blamed the voter apathy in Enugu State on the absence of a sound electoral system.
Prof. Onukaogu, who formally took over the mantle of leadership of the electoral umpire from the former REC, Dr. Lawrence Azubuike, told journalists at INEC headquarters, Enugu, on Tuesday that Nigeria had not been having it fine because the electoral system had not allowed credible, free and fair election that would usher in the right people.
Onukaogu was of the opinion that if the people were allowed to vote for the people of their choice, things would begin to work well.
While blaming the absence of a sound electoral process as a reason for voter apathy, he cited Enugu State as an example where apathy was on the high side to the extent that only about 65% of voters had accessed their permanent voters card, PVC, till date.
To correct the anomaly, Onukaogu said he would employ multi-sectoral approach to ensure that the people obtained their voters card and come out to vote during elections.
He said part of the efforts would be to sensitise the people through mosques, churches and even markets.
Onukaogu, who expressed worry over the number of registered voters in the state, said he could go to sleep if only about 80% of the voters collect their voters’ card.
The new REC, who had earlier been rejected by the opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, said, “I am here not to do a new thing but to implement what has been laid down. I have come here to work on the footsteps of my predecessor”.
Fielding questions from journalists, Onukaogu said he had learnt from past experience in Anambra State and what happened in Ekiti and Osun and would bring it to bear in Enugu State.
He assured that the commission would conduct credible election in the State.
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