The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to halt the proposed relocation of the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency headquarters and collation centre from Urualla to Dikenafai in Imo State.

Ugochinyere who represents Ideato Federal Constituency in the House said the decision by the electoral commission had reinforced his confidence in the leadership of INEC under its Chairman, Prof. Joas Amupitan, and the Federal Commissioners.

In a statement on Friday, the lawmaker described the development as evidence of institutional due process, stakeholder engagement and consideration of public interest in the Commission’s decision-making process.

He said information available to him indicated that INEC subjected the proposed relocation to internal consultations, engagement and verification before deciding to halt the move.

According to him, the decision demonstrated that the Commission was prepared to listen to stakeholders and protect the integrity of its electoral processes.

“I want to thank, on behalf of the good people of Ideato, the leadership of INEC under the able and reform-minded leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, alongside the Federal Commissioners, for ensuring that due process and public interest remain central to the Commission’s decision-making,” he said.

Ugochinyere who is also the Caucus Leader of the opposition Action Peoples Party (APP) said the development had further strengthened his confidence in the capacity of the current INEC leadership to promote fairness, transparency, neutrality and credibility in the electoral process.

He also commended the people of Ideato and other stakeholders who, during the period of uncertainty over the proposed relocation, expressed their concerns through peaceful means.

The lawmaker, however, urged traditional rulers, President-Generals, youths, political parties, religious leaders and other community stakeholders to use the development as an opportunity to end disagreements and restore peace in the constituency.

He appealed to all parties involved in the dispute to forgive one another and place the collective interest of Ideato above individual and political differences.

“As your trusted messenger, I urge all our people to immediately forgive one another and cease all hostilities in the overall interest of peace and continued peaceful coexistence. Let us find a place in our hearts to forgive those whose desires might have clashed with our general interest,” Ugochinyere said.

He urged the people of Ideato to continue to support the current INEC leadership as it pursues reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.

According to him, credible elections can only be achieved when citizens and stakeholders support institutions responsible for conducting elections while holding them accountable through lawful and democratic means.

Ugochinyere expressed confidence that the Commission, under Amupitan and its Federal Commissioners, would continue to uphold independence, fairness, transparency and neutrality in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

“I urge our people to publicly continue to support and have confidence in the present INEC leadership, led by Prof. Amupitan and his Federal Commissioners, and pray that God will continue to sustain them in their ongoing efforts and reforms to drive us towards credible, peaceful and public confidence-driven elections,” he said.

The Ideato lawmaker also proposed a peaceful rally by stakeholders in the constituency to reaffirm their confidence in INEC and promote unity among the people.

He said the gathering would provide an opportunity for the people of Ideato to appreciate the Commission’s decision while demonstrating that disagreements over public issues could be resolved through dialogue, institutional processes and peaceful engagement.

Ugochinyere said the proposed gathering would also serve as an avenue for stakeholders to close ranks and begin a process of reconciliation following the tensions generated by the proposed relocation of the constituency headquarters and collation centre.