2019 polls will be hitch-free, says Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured that the 2019 General Elections will be credible and peaceful

The Governor said so far, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have shown their commitments and preparedness for a one man, one vote.

Akeredolu spoke on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Strategic Stakeholders’ Dialogue On Peaceful and Violence free General elections in Nigeria at International Centre for Culture and Event (The Dome), Akure, the state capital.

The programme was organised for South West States by the United Nations Development Programme and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ondo State Government.

The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, lauded Buhari for the facilitation of the early release of fund to INEC, which he said would enable the commission to exhibit high level of independence, objectivity, transparency and high standard of professionalism in the delivery of its primary mandate.

He also reassured the gathering that the Buhari’s administration is committed with other tiers of governments and relevant stakeholders in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the coming elections.

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According to him “the President has assured Nigerians and the global community that the processes leading to the general election will be open and devoid of political interference”.

Akeredolu charged both the foreign and local observers to work with INEC and security personnel and to also ensure they act and be seen to act with impartiality.

“I implore local and international journalists, media, organizations, social commentators, to be more objective in their reportage and provide equal access to media platforms for all political parties and candidates in order to promote political fairness”, he stated.

Stakeholders at the event included, representative of Governor of Osun State, Security Chiefs, Political, Traditional and Spiritual leaders, representatives of INEC, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) among others.