Ondo Poll: ANPP Chieftain Hails Jonathan, Inec

Former All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate in Imo, Mr Bernard Lemchi, has  described President Goodluck Jonathan as a committed democrat.

Lemchi made the remark in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, while congratulating Gov. Mimiko of Ondo State on his re-election on October 20.

He applauded the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its impartiality in the governorship election.

Lemchi said that Jonathan had proved that he was a man that upheld the rule of law and lover of democracy, by allowing a free and fair election.

According to the ANPP chieftain, Jonathan has delivered his campaign promise by ensuring credible elections in the country.

“Jonathan has done it in Adamawa, Edo and now Ondo; he is an avowed democrat.

“If our past leaders were like him, we would have gone very far in terms of credible elections and democracy,’’ he said.

Lemchi lauded the Prof. Attahiru Jega led INEC for conducting a transparent election in Ondo, adding that it had shown a high level of electoral responsibility.

He advocated for a takeover of council elections by INEC, and alleged that election at the third tier was characterised by fraud and electoral stage management.

“ I suggest, INEC should take over the conduct of elections at the local government areas.

“Many governors have abused the process, and it has been the major cause of under-development and suffering of the local communities,’’ Lemchi said.

He also advised that general elections should not be conducted simultaneously anymore to ensure transparency and credibility in the process.

According to him, the process will help INEC to mobilise enough logistics for particular supervision and monitoring without distractions.

Lemchi, however, congratulated the people of Ondo State for exercising their franchise in favour of a great achiever at a time it mattered most.