Governor Hyacinth Alia swore in a seven-member Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) on Thursday in Makurdi.

Mr Alia tasked BSIEC, with John Chen as its chairman, with immediately beginning processes for free, credible, and inclusive council polls.

“Each of you has been selected based on your nonpartisan stance, outstanding qualifications, integrity, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles, which are fundamental to Benue’s progress and required for the survival of democracy.

“In nominating each member, we were guided by the law establishing the commission, which unequivocally demands that the chairman and members possess unquestionable integrity.

“This underscores the critical role that the commission plays in laying the foundation for our democracy as local councils and wards serve as the primary interface between the government and the people,’’ the governor said.

He charged the commission’s members with ensuring the consolidation of democracy by conducting free, fair, and credible elections that accurately reflect the will and aspirations of the people of Benue.

“Our people deserve nothing less than a system where their voices are heard through their votes. I assure you of the government’s commitment to upholding the independence of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission. You can count on the full support of the government in the discharge of your duties.

“This government is dedicated to upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring that the electoral process in Benue is transparent, credible, and inclusive,’’ Mr Alia stressed.

He also thanked the commission’s members for accepting the invitation to serve Benue in that capacity.

He commended the House of Assembly for its excellent work in screening and confirming the BSIEC members.

Responding, BSIEC’s chairman said members understood the duties of their offices and the yearnings of the people of Benue.

Mr Chen assured that members would not disappoint the governor and the people of Benue, stressing that they had a clear vision of the state’s expectations. 

(NAN)