From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue State, Sam Egwu, has assured Governor Samuel Ortom that votes of his people at the IDPs camps will count.
Egwu stated this, yesterday, when Ortom, paid him a courtesy visit, in his office in Makurdi.
The purpose of the governor’s visit was not known to newsmen as at the time of filing this report, but Egwu said the commission had long began distribution of permanent voters card (PVCs), since January 6, assuring the commission was poised to ensure no one is disenfranchised.
The INEC REC, who noted that he would have also visited the governor, said: “This is an election period and one cannot take anything for granted. Public perception will be an issue if I visit you.
“Democracy is a contest of ideas. We are working to make election credible. We are working assiduously to ensure all those who are displaced, who left their natural abode without their PVCs, that their votes count,” Egwu said.
He lauded the governor for his visit, saying he would have been scared about the election if the governor did not visit.
He noted that by his visit, Governor Ortom has demonstrated he does not only want the elections to hold in Benue but he wants the elections to be free, fair and peaceful.
“You are one of the key stakeholders and your coming to us is an indication that you want the election to be free and fair. Actors do not present their rules. All actors must play by the rules,” he said.
He lauded the governor for infrastructure development in the state, especially the magnificent edifice in the palace of the Tor Tiv, saying it was very befitting of the state.
