CAN president tasks INEC, police on credible, hitch-free 2019 polls

President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Olasupo Ayokunle has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and the police to ensure credible and hitch-free elections in 2019.

He made the call yesterday at the Annual Christmas Carol and dedication of the Oyo State Parliament Chapel, in Agodi, Ibadan.

Ayokunle, who is also the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, reminded INEC and all security agencies of their onerous task of ensuring that people’s votes count for the success of democracy in the country.

On the significance of the annual carol, the cleric said it was meant to honour Jesus Christ who died for the sins of the World, and implored Christians to rededicate their lives to the service of God and development of humanity.

He also commended former and serving legislators, as well as members of staff of the state House of Assembly for not relenting in ensuring that the new chapel, which foundation was laid in March 2010, was completed.

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, represented by his deputy, Moses Adeyemo, also commended the chapter of the Christian Legislators’ Fellowship International.

In his goodwill message, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Olagunju Ojo, urged the congregation to observe a minute silence in memory of the late Speaker of the House, Michael Adeyemo.

He said the late Adeyemo was very passionate about the new chapel, adding that it was aimed at immortalising the late speaker.

President, Christian Legislators Fellowship International, Oyo State House of Assembly Chapter, Olusegun Ajanaku, expressed appreciation to the past and present leadership of the House for supporting the project.

Other dignitaries at the occasion included the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, who was represented by the wife of Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Alli, serving legislators and the Clerk of the House, Mr. Bankole Ishola

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Rivers State, Obo Effanga, has disclosed that owners of over 600,000 Permanent Voters Cards have not collected their cards across the state.

Effanga, who disclosed this In Port Harcourt yesterday, said the figure is out of the 3.2 million registered voters in the state.

The REC announced that the commission has received 96,000 PVCs for people who were captured in the just concluded continuous voters registration.

He added that the commission has also received the first batch of 12,000 cards of persons who applied for transfer.

Efanga urged the affected persons to visit their respective local government collect their cards.