The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged the newly inaugurated Board of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to be fair, impartial and objective in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities.
Obaseki gave the charge at the inauguration of the Board at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday.
He said he decided to retain some former members of the board in view of their wealth of experience coupled with the daunting task ahead.
The governor emphasised his administration’s mission to build credible institutions, which are critical to sustaining democratic principles, particularly the conduct of local government elections, on which the democratic structure rest.
“The whole purpose of reforms in democratic tradition is to build institutions that will sustain democracy itself. Local government elections, which happen at the grassroots, are the bases and foundation on which our democratic system rests,” he said.
He added, “As usual, we will like to be the leading light in the country in consolidating our democratic experience. I trust that with the chairman and the calibre of the board members, they will not only do Edo State proud, but will also discharge their responsibilities judiciously”.
Responding on behalf of the board, the Chairman of EDSIEC, Prof. Stanley Orobator, assured the governor that the board would do its best to deliver on its responsibility and make the state proud.
He said the task ahead is challenging, but the board members are committed to deepening the democratic process.
