Edo Guber: CSOS unveil situation room to enrich data collection, electoral processes

The Conference of Non-Governmental Organisation (CONGOS), Justice Development and Peace Commission(JDPC), Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Uromi Branch have officially opened its situation room ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.

The President, CONGOS and Director General, Edo State Civil Society Situation Room Conference, Mrs. Abiola Daisy Igaga, disclosed this at a media briefing, yesterday, in Benin City, Edo State.

Igala said other civil societies would be co-opted as members of the situation room for effective representation aside ensuring that the world was kept abreast of the election.

She stressed that the relevance of election observers and monitors derives validity from the disputations, altercations or brouhaha that accompany the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

“No doubt, the court is a primary arbiter to resolve issues of disagreement between and among parties, but the absurdity of the Nigerian situation is that at the end of every election, there is a plethora of election cases that sometimes take over three years to exhaust.

In his remark, the Director of Uromi JPCI, Rev Fr. Dr. FidelisArhedo said: “As civil society organisations in the state, we want the election in Edo State to be quite different from every other election conducted as well as ensure that this year’s election is free, fair and violence free.”

The chairperson for the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Edo State, AnnOjugo,was optimistic that the effort would boost the confidence of the physically challenged who were before now marginalised to come out to cast their votes.