The Independent National Electoral Commission in Ekiti has urged residents of the state to not to destroy it’s facilities or attack it’s officers.

The Commission said the citizens should rather ensure the protection of the commission ‘s offices and property in the state.

Dr Adeniran Tella, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, made the call during the visit of Olagoke Olatoye, Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria, to the commission ‘s office in Ado-Ekiti.

Mr Tella, represented by Taiwo Gbadegesin, Head, Voters Education and Publicity of the commission in the state, urged residents of the state to shun any act of violence that could truncate the nation’s nascent democracy.

He specifically advised youths to refrain from destructive acts and  embrace peace, saying that incessant attacks on INEC property would not benefit anybody.

Mr Tella also appealed to residents of Ekiti to allow democracy to thrive by ensuring that the slogan of “One Man, One Vote” comes to play in any election.

“I advise the residents of the state to stop violence, vandalism and attacks on our offices or officials, because the property being destroyed in some parts of the country were provided through the taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Mr Tella also said that cancellation of elections in any state due to violent acts would not be in favour of the people, saying that they would not have the opportunity to elect their preferred candidates.

The resident electoral commissioner promised a more robust partnership between the commission and NAN.

He said there was already an existing relationship, adding that INEC in the state would be more committed to its partnership with the agency.

In his remarks, Mr Olatoye solicited for more partnership with the commission in respect of the forthcoming governorship election in the state, especially in the area of voters education.

He promised that NAN would  always support the commission through effective coverage of its activities. 

(NAN)