The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has halted the proposed relocation of the Ideato Federal Constituency headquarters and collation centre from Urualla to Dikenafai in Imo State. This decision was made after internal consultations and engagement with stakeholders, according to Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the constituency's representative in the House of Representatives. Ugochinyere commended INEC Chairman, Prof. Joas Amupitan, for demonstrating institutional due process and consideration of public interest.
Ugochinyere, also Caucus Leader of the Action Peoples Party (APP), stated that the Commission's decision had strengthened his confidence in INEC's capacity to conduct its affairs independently and uphold fairness, transparency, neutrality, and credibility in Nigeria's electoral process. He noted that INEC subjected the proposed relocation to verification before arriving at the decision to halt the move. This development shows that the electoral commission is prepared to listen to stakeholders and protect the integrity of its processes.
The lawmaker commended Amupitan and the Federal Commissioners for ensuring that public interest and due process remained central to the Commission's decision-making. He also praised the people of Ideato and other stakeholders who peacefully protested against the proposed relocation. Ugochinyere urged traditional rulers, President-Generals, youths, political parties, religious leaders, and community groups to use this development to restore peace and reconciliation.
Ugochinyere called on all parties involved in the dispute to abandon hostilities and place the collective interest of Ideato above political and personal differences. He urged constituents to forgive one another and cease all hostilities in the overall interest of peace and continued peaceful coexistence. The lawmaker expressed confidence that INEC under Amupitan would sustain efforts to strengthen public confidence in the electoral system and deliver credible and peaceful elections.
The lawmaker proposed a peaceful rally by stakeholders in the constituency to publicly appreciate INEC's decision and promote unity among the people. This gathering would demonstrate that contentious public issues could be resolved through dialogue, institutional processes, and peaceful engagement. Ugochinyere said the people of Ideato were planning a one-million-man march and thank-you rally to appreciate INEC over the decision to halt the proposed relocation.
The planned rally aims to show appreciation for INEC's decision and promote unity among the people of Ideato. Ugochinyere's call for peace and unity comes after the lawmaker expressed confidence in INEC's leadership and its ability to conduct free and fair elections. The halted relocation is seen as a major demonstration of institutional due process under Amupitan's leadership.
INEC's decision to halt the relocation has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a positive step towards promoting peace and stability in the constituency. The Commission's action is expected to encourage other stakeholders to engage in peaceful dialogue and promote unity in the region. Key to this development is INEC's willingness to listen to stakeholders and prioritize public interest.
Key points
- INEC halts relocation of Ideato constituency headquarters after stakeholder engagement
- Decision demonstrates institutional due process and consideration of public interest
- Stakeholders plan peaceful rally to appreciate INEC's decision and promote unity
