By Daniel Dauda, Jos


The Apostolic administrator of Jos Archdiocese and Coadjutor Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama challenge Governors across the federation to raise to the occasion of well thought-out and genuinely support of the States Independent Electoral Commission(SIEC) for effective service delivery.

"I humbly call on Governors to support you(SIEC) to be truly independent and fully functional to organize, undertake and supervise all elections in the Local Government councils within the States.

"Grass roots politics is a very crucial factor in ensuring peaceful coexistence.

"If well played and coordinated, it can spare us the uncontrollable c negative reactions that culminate in crises and violence as a result of dissatisfaction with the conduct of elections.

"We will continue to do our part in places of worship to encourage the electorate to be peaceful and orderly and I believe this can bear positive fruits if you carry your responsibilities with utmost sensitivity to the common good." Said Kaigama.

The Clergy man, Kaigama who served as a chairman during an official opening of 12th National Delegates Conference Jos 2019, Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria(FOSIECON), held at Crest Hotel Jos.

The conference had a theme: Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Lessons from the 2019 General Election.

Bishop Kaigama Charged participants to x-ray critically and objectively where progress was made and where things need to be amended or improved upon to give us election results that can stand the test of time.

"We are happy that the 2019 elections were generally peaceful and we can pride ourselves as still one people and one nation.

"We must not allow election periods to raise our political blood pressure and generate violence such that we throw caution and civility to the wind.

"As electoral referees(SIEC), you  need to build confidence and trust among the electorate the their votes count and that good results of elections can be the reason for social cohesion and harmony especially at the grass roots." He added.

Earlier, chairman of FOSIECON and Abia state independent electoral commission, Igbozuruiki Akomas said the conference will add values to the processes of conducting elections and post election analysis, noting that election demands strategic planning.

He appreciates Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state for hosting the conference, as he called on the participants to take advantage of the conference and learn from the lessons of the past.

The conference which kickstarted 7th, will end 10th may, 2019.