The Salt Family Foundation (SFF), Ebonyi State chapter, has called on the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the forthcoming local government polls.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the foundation attributed the persistent lack of quality leadership at the grassroots level to the imposition of leaders rather than the emergence of democratically elected officials. It warned that it would petition the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold the release of the voter register if irregularities were observed during election preparations.
According to the group, credible elections are essential for sustainable development in Ebonyi State, stressing that leaders elected through transparent democratic processes would be more accountable to the people. “The development of Ebonyi State will be faster when leadership at both local government and state levels truly reflects the will of the people,” the statement noted.
The foundation disclosed that its members across the 171 electoral wards and 13 Local Government Areas in the state had volunteered to monitor the elections to ensure transparency. It pledged to raise alarms promptly wherever electoral malpractice is detected.
SFF also advised political parties to adhere strictly to electoral rules, cautioning against vote rigging, political violence, ballot box snatching and voter intimidation. It encouraged residents to come out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility and remain at polling units to safeguard their votes.
The organisation further called on security agencies to maintain neutrality during the polls, emphasizing their responsibility to protect voters, maintain law and order and guarantee a peaceful electoral process. It expressed optimism that professionalism by security personnel would strengthen public confidence in the electoral system.
The statement was jointly signed by the President of Salt Family Foundation, Comrade Eze Oko Splendour; Director General Affairs, Hon. Nwangele Nnanna; Director of Media, Comrade Igiri Innocent; and Director of Legal Affairs, Barrister Chibuike Ezennabike.
The group concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Ebonyi residents and its support for credible democratic processes in the state.
By Palma Ileye, Abuja
