The Chairman of Asaritoru Local Government Council, Hon Ojukaye Flag- Amachree has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its understanding in extending the period for the voters registration exercise in the country.

Flag-Amachree gave the commendation in a chat with newsmen at Buguma, headquarters of Asaritoru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The ASALGA Chairman described the extension of the registration exercise by one week is  a step in the right direction, adding that the new development would give enough opportunities to the people of ASALGA and the Federal Government to record large number of voters for the April polls.

He said although the council had earlier decided to take a legal action against INEC, if it had failed to extend the voters registration period, but expressed happiness that the commission has allowed reason to prevail in the interest of national development.

Flag-Amachree noted that there were hiccups earlier experienced during the earlier days of the registration exercise in ASALGA as a result of malfunctioning of the DDC machines, the exercise picked up smoothly in the later days.

Shortly after monitoring the exercise in the area, the LG chairman noted that the voters registration was very encouraging despite the initial problems that almost marred the exercise.

He was optimistic that ASALGA people would avail themselves the opportunities to register enmasse.

Flag-Amachree explained that the essence of providing free transport to ASALGA is to encourage, sensitise and mobilise the people of the area to move to their various communities and village to partake in the registration exercise to enable them exercise their franchise.

He commended the Ijaw Professionals association for their efforts to sensitize and mobilise the people of the area to come out and register in their good numbers.

Meanwhile, the National President of Ijaw Professionals Association (IPA) Barrister Donald A.K. Horsfall agrees that there was need for ASALGA people to show seriousness in the registration exercise, especially to enable the area record high number in the voters registration.

Horsfall, said shortly after registering at Unit 8, Ward 8 at Wokoma’s compound in Buguma, that the extension was a good omen.

The IPA national boss, who led his group to Buguma on a mobilisation and sensitisation campaign tagged “Operation register for your vote” said it was necessary to educate, enlighten and mobilise the people on the importance and need to partake in the on-going voters registration exercise to enable them choose who their leaders should be.

According to him, the best way to lead people is to lead by action, “adding that the large turn –out of people for the registration exercise clearly indicate that peace and security have return to Kalabari land.

On rotational chairmanship in the local government council, Horsfall said the best candidate should be allowed to govern the people.