By Danusa Ocholi
As Nigerians go to the polls in a matter of hours to exercise their franchise with the election of new leaders to run the affairs of the country, a Nigerian based in the United States, Edafe Sodje has enjoined his countrymen and women to elect leaders that will restore the fading glory and prestige of Africa’s most populous nation. He equally called for free, fair and credible elections beginning from this Saturday.
Sodje who is the Chairman Board of Directors Nigeria- American Public Affairs Committee in US, said in an interview with our correspondent that that it was imperative for the country to record a free and fair elections beginning with the Saturday February 25 polls.
He stated in an interview with our correspondent: “Achieving free and fair elections in the country requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Including the government, political parties, the election management body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC , among others. The Electoral Commission must be truly independent and impartial. They should be free from political influences and interference” he added. Sodje called for transparency of the process. According to him:” Every step should be subject to scrutiny.Political parties and their candidates must have access to voters’ registers while results must be announced promptly and made public.”
Mr Sodje who is based in Georgia and hails from the family of notable footballers like Efe and Sam, who at various times played for Nigeria, as well as Bright who was a rugby player in UK equally advised Nigerians to vote for their conscience by not allowing themselves to be bought over by politicians and their agents. He called on security men and women to ensure vigilance towards having a free and fair election on Saturday.
He prayed for a peaceful poll for the country so that the citizens can reap dividends of democracy and actualize the dream of making the nation take its rightful place among the committee of nations.
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