Politics

By Oghenero Eghweree

Civil society organizations say security agencies should prosecute perpetrators of electoral violence in the just concluded Governorship and State Assemblies election to serve as a deterrent to others in future polling exercises.

They made the observation in Asaba, the Delta State capital, at a Civil Society Observers’ Coalition Press Conference on the recently concluded elections.

The Team Leader, Civil Society Situation Room for the elections, Deacon Okezi Odugala, while briefing newsmen denounced reports of intimidation, voters’ inducement and hostage-taking of electoral officers especially in Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers State.

Deacon Odugala however commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the improvement in logistics arrangement, as voting materials arrived early in most of the polling units during the polls.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the State Government on Civic Engagement and Civil Societies Activist, Rex Anighoro, made an appeal for intensified civic engagement by the electoral umpire and civil society organizations to improve citizen’s knowledge on electoral processes.

Representatives of Civil Society Organizations including Better Life for Women Foundation, Advocate for Peoples Rights and Justice, Nigerian Progressives Right and Youth Development made observations on improving the electoral system in the country.

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Environment

The forum of Delta State Non-Governmental Organizations have commended ongoing work at the Obomkpa Erosion Control Project in Delta State, saying the development was a relief to people over the age-long erosion site, with negative effects on the environment and livelihood of residents of the community.

The group made this known in a statement issued in Asaba, after independent monitoring of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project in Obomkpa, led by the Coordinator, Deacon Okezi Odugala and Secretary, Chief Greg Osamenjor, where they described the ongoing construction work as encouraging.

They lauded the involvement of an indigenous construction company in the project, observing it will encourage the local construction sector and prevent capital flight out of the country especially in view of the the current economic situation.  

The Forum of Delta State NGO’s also reiterated its stance against substandard projects in the state, saying its monitoring team has set up a benchmark for project execution, which included provisions for an environmental sustainability plan, youth involvement through employment and community participation.

The forum also advised contractors in erosion sites to adhere strictly to specified engineering designs and to ensure that issues that bother on the health, safety and environment of the Obomkpa people are given adequate attention.

The civil society group also commended the World Bank and Delta State Government for recent partnerships aimed at addressing the menace of erosion in four other worst-hit communities such as Iwerebor-Midomma, Ukwu-Uzu, Ubulu-Uku and Jesse.

Oghenero Eghweree