As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for aspirants of various electoral positions get closer, one of the hopefuls for the Ikwerre/Emohua federal constituency, Chief Barr. Celia Otubu, has advised that for a free, fair and credible primary election to be achieved, only officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed close to the polling boots.
Speaking with newsmen in course of her consultation with stakeholders, Otubu said this was to checkmate the activities of some overzealous party men, who would want to intimidate, harass or pressurize the delegates from voting their conscience.
According to her, “It is important the delegates are allowed the freedom of voting for the aspirants they are convinced will give them effective representation, by listening and attending to their day-to-day needs”.
She made it clear that a situation where delegates are coerced to vote for aspirants they don’t want, will not be to the best interest of the party and Rivers people, adding that when a popular candidate scales through the primaries to stand for election, there are indications that the party’s victory chances are guaranteed at the general elections. “It will also guarantee cohesion and peace in the party”, she noted.
Chief Otubu used the opportunity to reiterate her passion to live a worthy legacy by religiously implementing her 3-point agenda which include: establishment of constituency officials at Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas, staffing of the offices for easy consultation; monthly one-on-one appointment and quarterly town hall meetings, as well as corresponding constituency projects and sponsorship of developments bills.
According to her, “when elected, which I am confident of, my constituents will experience what politics is all about, which of course will raise the bar for upcoming politicians as politics is all about improving the welfare of the people.”
