Gov. Otu inaugurates State Independent Electoral Commission, ready for LG polls

By  Ene Ene, Calabar 

The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu has tasked the Chairman and members of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC, to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible local government area election in the state.

The Nations News Nigeria reports that the Chairman and members of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC, was inaugurated by the governor, shortly after they were constituted and ratified by the State House of Assembly.

The State House of Assembly has confirmed nominees, namely, Ekong Edet Boco as Chairman, Rose Banku Atep, Adogah, Joseph Ipuole, Eutendala Eno, Daniel Edet, Eyo Otu Eyo, Jerry Adie Akabisong as Members, while Lawrence Edu is to serve as secretary of the Commission. 

Inaugurating the team, Governor Otu tasked the members to uphold the principles of integrity, fairness and dedication to credible elections that will midwife the return of local government administration; a tier of government which he described as “closest to the people.”

“It is with a sense of purpose that I swear-in members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) as a gesture to strengthen the democratic institution and the third tier of government”.

“There is a disconnect between the local government councils of states and the people in rural areas due to lack of communication. Whereas the local government is the closest to the people, hence the heartbeat of the people,” Otu stated, stressing that the situation inhabits participatory democracy.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of (CROSIEC), Ekong Edet Boco thanked the Governor for the opportunity given to him and other members to serve the state promising to discharge his duties creditably to the best of his ability and with the fear of God, promising a level playing field for all the contestants