Gov. Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated a 7-man Edo Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) Board, ahead of the state local councils poll.
Speaking at the ceremony, Obaseki said that the board was expected to organise a free, fair and credible election in the state.
“This newly constituted commission has the task of midwifing a new democratic dispensation at the local councils to deepen the dividend of democracy and bring government closer to our people.
“We as government are very sensitive to the role of electoral empire because we are beneficiaries of a free and fair process.
‘‘Haven benefited from a free process, we are fully committed to ensuring that others have the same privileges and benefits we’ve enjoyed that brought us to power.
“With the improvements in the electoral process in the state, we hope to conduct a local council election that will been seen as credible and acceptable by the generality of our people,” he said.
Obaseki added: “As a government we will support you to ensure that you deliver your mandate.
“We have gone through diligent and thorough process in selecting you, your records speaks for themselves, therefore I have no doubt in my mind that you have what it takes to succeed in this assignment.
“I also want to appeal to all the political leaders in our political space to play the rules so that our people can choose those who will lead them.
“This is because it is only when we have the right people managing the affairs of the state that we can engender sustainable development.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the board, retired Justice James Oyomire, thanked the governor for the appointment adding that it was a call to duty.
Oyomire assured that the board will carry out its duty diligently in the interest of the state to deliver a free, fair and credible election to the people.