Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has reconstituted the board of the State Independent Electoral Commission following the sacking of the former board by the court.
Speaking at the swearing-in of the chairman and seven members of the new board, onFriday, Oshiomhole said: “We have had to dissolve the former board in compliance with the order of the court.
“Although we didn’t agree with the order, we had to obey as we felt it was easier to obey the order than go through the process of appealing it.”
He said the starting point of getting democratically-elected local government executives is to constitute an electoral board with men and women of proven integrity.
The governor said to ensure the impartiality of the chairman and members of the board, he invited the Chief Judge and the judiciary in the state to nominate members who, in their opinion, are competent and independent.
He charged the board to “do whatever you can that is in full compliance with the law and put in motion the process of conducting a free and fair election.
“We’ve had a couple of elections in the recent times. I believe under your leadership, we can expect to get a free and fair election in Edo State. I hope you understand the enormity of the task.
“I have been a victim of election rigging and I have promised myself and my God that I shall do everything possible to ensure that the electoral commission in the state conducts a free and fair election.
“I congratulate you but I also commiserate with you because the task before you is a very challenging one.”
The Chairman of the board, Solomon Ogoh, assured the governor and the people of the state that the board is made up of tested hands who are ready to deliver a free and fair local government election in the state.
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