The Concerned Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders Forum (CEESF) in collaboration with Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) and League of Friends United (LOFU) held a rally at Ekpoma on Tuesday, September 17 on voter education and awareness creation for peaceful election before, during and after Saturday 21st Governorship election in Edo State.
The rally which kick started at Alli Square, Ekpoma saw participants moving through Anglican market and environs to market square, educating voters and electorate on how to vote and conduct themselves peacefully during the election.
Similar rallies were held at Iruekpen, Ehor and Ubiaja in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area and Esan South East Local Government Area respectively
Some of the electorate who pledged anonymity expressed joy for the initiative and commended the organisers for educating the electorate and stakeholders on imperatives a peaceful polls. They appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and other stakeholders to make sure that the election was not only peaceful, but credible and transparent. They all pledged commitments in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after September 21st 2024 Governorship Election.
Speaking to a team of journalists after the sensitisation, Dr. Jude Obasanmi, Converner CEESF and also the South South Representative in the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), pointed out that the rally was part of their mandate to educate the electorate, particularly with the heightened level of fear and apprehension amongst the people. He appealed to eligible voters to come out and cast their votes.
Also speaking, Mr. Godwin Eromosele, appealed to those who have the intention of fermenting trouble will
face the wrath of the law as according to him, there are electoral offences and penalties attached to them.
The highlight of the rally was the distribution of flyers to the electorates who were mostly okada riders, market men and women, transporters, shop owners and passersby. A question and answer session took place moderated by Comrade Lawrence Isiraojie, Secretary CEESF and Mr. Festus Anelu, Programme Officer, Josemaria Escriva Foundation.