Empower INEC to Ensure Conduct of Free, Fair Polls, Gambari Tells FG

Ahead of 2019 general elections, a former United Nations Under-Secretary, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari yesterday charged the federal government to ensure that, the election umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is properly empowered in order to conduct free and fair elections.

He also cautioned against use of thuggery and impu- nity that may affect smooth conduct of the polls, stressing that the next general elections must be a complete gamechanger and not by elections manipulation.

Gambari, who is also the chancellor of the Kwara state University (KWASU) disclosed this at Malete in Moro local government council of the state during the 6th convocation programme of the university. He also advised the youths not allow them- selves to be used as political thugs.

According to him, “As 2019 elections draw near, never allow yourselves to be used by anybody either as thugs or manipulation during elections. Rather get interested in who governs you and how the leaders are selected.

“The government on their part must empower INEC to conduct a free and fair elections in 2019 and beyond.”

Gambari said, “We must give our support while insisting on a permanent end to impunity and zero-tolerance of elections. Elections in 2019 in Nigeria must be the gamechanger.”

Earlier, the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to invest in education sector as it is the bedrock of national development and economic empowerment.

He said the establishment of the University in Malete in 2009 had transformed the rural community to semi-urban community, thus reducing rural-urban drift.

Ahmed said the Ekiti Campus of the University had reached ninety five per cent completion stage, while that of Ilesa Baruba was at an advanced stage, and work on the Postgraduate school in Ilorin was also in progress.

The Governor commended the management, staff and students of the institution for ensuring stable academic stability in the institution. He however charged the youths to shun social vices such as hooliganism, cultism, thuggery, examination malpractices, and intimidation among others.

Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah in his remark announced that the 1,126 graduated this year. Out of these were 30 first class products.