Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo has directed the States’s Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to tender an unreserved apology to the people for late arrival of materials for the April 20, council polls.
Oshiomhole gave the directive at the swearing-in of 14 elected local government chairmen on Monday in Benin.
He said: “It was quite an embarrassment and I insist that those who manage elections should be sensitive to the feelings of the electorate.
“For me, I will not protect any public office holder found wanting in any form. It is not enough to say sorry to me, I insist that EDSIEC or the contractor or both apologise to Edo people for the delay.”
The governor urged the new council chairmen to remain committed to transforming the state, adding that it was the road map of the Action Congress of Nigeria. (ACN)
The governor, however, warned them of absenteeism and said that government would not tolerate such a situation.
“I want to warn that no local government chairman should be seen in Benin City. As local government chairman, you must reside with your people ensure effective governance.
“Anyone I find in Benin will be in serious trouble. We want you to justify the confidence the people have reposed on you.
“There should be no godfathers, you are not the best but by the Grace of God, you have been chosen,” the governor said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that the local government elections were held in all the 18 local government areas of the state but elections in Esan West, Esan North East, Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha areas were cancelled.
The Chairman of EDSIEC, Chief Solomon Ogoh, who announced the results, attributed the development to “electoral flaws” that characterised the exercise.
He said fresh elections into the affected councils would be held on April 24 and April 25.
Meanwhile, the state government has inaugurated the State Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal in respect of the polls, a statement from the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Mr Mr H. Ememaku, said in Benin.
According to the statement the tribunal has Justice Efe Ikponmwosa as Chairman, while Justices Ohiman Ovbiagele and Stephen Omonua will serve as first and second members respectively.