The Republic of Ireland has expressed its readiness to send a team of election observers to Kogi State as part of efforts geared towards ensuring free and credible elections in the state next month.
Irish High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Sean Hoy, dropped the hint when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Idris Wada in Lugard House, Lokoja recently.
Mr. Hoy, who described the prevailing peace in Kogi as vital for Nigeria as it prepares for next months’ general elections, explained that he was in the state to access the level of preparations in line with the European Union’s commitment towards ensuring free and fair polls in the country.
According to him, a delegation of Irish observers headed by his deputy is set to visit the state to among other things meet with members of civil societies, political parties and other stakeholders with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are given the opportunity to elect the leaders they want.
He also used the forum to express the desire of his country to partner with Kogi in enhancing its agricultural potentials in view of the prevailing fall in the price of oil.
Responding, Governor Idris Wada thanked the Irish High Commissioner for volunteering to monitor the general election in Kogi while assuring him of the state government’s commitment towards ensuring peaceful and credible elections in the state.
In line with this, he said the state government has already commenced a mass sensitisation of electorate and other stakeholders on the need to shun violence and expressed confidence that the state would be a model for future elections in the country after the March exercise.
The governor equally used the forum to express the readiness of the state government to partner with Ireland in boosting agriculture in the state, just as he reiterated his readiness to accord the sector priority attention that would catapult it to greater heights.
Culled from The Graphic
