By kawaekwune Jeffrey
Eminent international Diplomat and former Secretary-General of the commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku has called on the Federal Government and relevant institutions to ensure that free and fair governorship elections are conducted in Edo and Ondo states, respectively.
Anyaoku, who is also a former foreign Affairs minister of Nigeria and the third Secretary General of the Commonwealth spoke with the press on Sunday, stressing that the international community has its eyes on Nigeria as the country carries out this two off circle governorship elections in Edo state and Ondo State, respectively.
The New Diplomat reports that the Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 21, .while that of Ondo is slated for November 16.
The elder statesman emphasized the importance of credible elections in Nigeria’s global image.
He stated: “Nigeria’s friends and the whole of the international community are watching the behaviour of the federal government and its agencies. The police, the army, and other law-enforcement agents will be under scrutiny to see how well they respect the country’s constitution and the rule of law.”
Anyaoku further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to uphold impartiality, transparency, and professionalism
He added: “The credibility of the results of the forthcoming elections would depend on the level of impartiality and transparency demonstrated by INEC, making the results truly reflect the will of the people.
“From my long experience in international politics, I must say no country is an island unto itself, especially in our increasingly globalising world. The image and standing of Nigeria within the international community will be significantly affected by how these elections are conducted.”
