By Joy Odor
As part of its activities leading to the October 6 local government election, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC), Barrister Ayuba Wandai Usman, has embarked on a three-day sensitisation visit to traditional rulers across the state.
Barrister Wandai, leading other commissioners of the commission, commenced to the sensitisation visit with a call on the Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, HRH Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), at his private residence, on Monday.
The NASIEC Chairman informed the royal father, that the commission is embarking on the sensitisation visit to traditional rulers in order to seek their blessings and support, towards ensuring the success of the coming local government election.
He said the commission has slated August 23-26 for the sensitisation visits to presidents of traditional councils across the local government areas of the state, stressing that officials of NASIEC are at the residence of the royal father to seek his blessing, as well as to inform him about the activities of the commission.
Barrister Wandai emphasized that, with the local government areas being close to the people and traditional rulers closest to the people at the grassroots, the commission deemed it fit to seek their support towards sensitizing the people on the need to actively participate in the election.
He assured that, NASIEC under his leadership, will undertake its assignment in the most responsible manner and to ensure the success of the October 6 election.
Barrister Wandai used the opportunity of the visit to update the Emir on the activities of the commission leading to the election.
Responding, the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), charged the NASIEC Chairman, to restore the confidence of the people in the electoral system, by respecting the will of the people.
The royal father further called on NASIEC to ensure that during the October 6 exercise, the will of the people prevail, not that of government or an individual.
While commending the state government for selecting resourceful and tested individuals to man the NASIEC, the Emir called on the Chairman to deliver the task as outlined by the administration of Engineer Abdullahi Sule, who is working tirelessly to bring development to the state.q wow
“Do your best to justify the confidence of government and most importantly, the responsibility to the people of the state,” the royal father said.
The Emir assured the NASIEC of total support from traditional rulers in the state, with a view to making the election successful.
“We will be there wherever you need us, count on us, count on our support. We will sensitise the people to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise,” he stated.
In a vote of thanks, Commissioner Public Affairs and ICT, Hon. Bakyu Isah Yusuf, thanked the Emir for recieving the commission.
Hon. Bakyu assured the Emir that, the October 6 local government election, will be a reference point for other states to emulate.