Posted by Niger Delta Youth Council
The leadership of the Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide (NDYC) has expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters in the Presidential and National Assembly elections that was held on Saturday, February 25.
The NDYC, an umbrella body of youth organisations in the Niger Delta region particularly paid tribute to the youth and elderly people of the region who came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise stressing that it was the only way to ensure that credible individuals are voted into power.
Consequently, the group urged the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency of the process to assuage the people’s confidence in the electoral process.
A statement jointly signed by Engr Jator Abido, National Coordinator and Comr. Collins Ufuoma Achakpekri, Director of Diaspora affairs of the NDYC further urged the INEC to quickly look into reports of abuse of the electoral processes in some areas and correct ills done.
The statement reads in part, “…in line with our observations and the views expressed by national and international observers, we wish to commend the people of our region particularly the youths and elderly for their enthusiasm shown in carrying out their civic responsibilities.
“We equally call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to be transparent in the collation processes and reconcile results in areas that were reportedly marred by irregularities so as to safeguard the integrity of the elections.
The group further appealed for calm amongst the youths and political actors to accept the outcome of the results or explore the judicial avenue to seek redress if there are genuine concerns of abuse.
“The Niger Delta Youth Council aligns with the views of the International observers on the poor functioning of the electoral system, failure of the BIVAS and failure to commence the process on time, the statement noted.