(Omelora)
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sounds the whistle to Kick-start campaigns for the 2023 general elections last Wednesday, September 28, 2022 the Delta State House of Assembly aspirant for the Oshimili North Constituency on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Dr Chuks Okonji (Omelora) says he will play by the rules with Party-based campaigns.
The House of Assembly hopeful who spoke in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Asaba, said as he seeks election through the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), he would think more on providing solutions to some of the issues that have bedeviled the people of his Oshimili North Constituency.
Omelora who is a big property developer and Hotelier, said the campaign will be tailored towards getting the people to have the confidence to come out to vote in the general elections, because this coming election our people are no longer voting parties as usual rather Nigerians are voting on personal report cards of each aspirants.
“There has been general apathy because of the introduction of guns into the system prior to this time.
“Our campaign is going to be strictly tailored towards getting the people to have the confidence to come out, and that those who used to carry gun, the law will not let them carry guns to steal ballot boxes any more”, he said.
He stressed that what this translates into, is that “we have to go back to the people like we have always done to bring them out”.
Omelora said the provision of the Electoral Act has made it clear on the issue of snatching and stealing of ballot boxes and other corrupt practices, saying it is now a thing of the past, and that campaigns and winning elections should be based on relationship with the people and what you would do for them.
On the expectations from the security agencies during the campaign, the House of Assembly hopeful said looking at the law establishing them, they are supposed to stick by their rules of engagement.
“What we expect them to do, the security agencies, should be professional enough to ensure they protect the materials, get them to the various points around the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria and make sure nobody is intimated, see to it that the electoral personnel are strictly protected and the electorate also.
“And deal decisively with those who feel that the old ways should be continued. If they do that, it means there is going to be neutrality”, he submitted.
