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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Asari-Toru State Constituency I in the forthcoming general elections, Hon. Okeipiriye Tom George, has reaffirmed his commitment to democratic governance while calling for the relocation of an ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) project from the Asari-Toru Local Government Secretariat to its designated site.
Tom George made the call during his participation at the Rivers Alternative (T.R.A.) gathering held in Buguma, where stakeholders and concerned Rivers people met to deliberate on critical political and governance issues affecting the state.
The meeting focused on promoting democratic values, fairness, transparency and protecting the collective interests of Rivers people through constructive engagement and dialogue.
Speaking at the forum, the ADC Assembly candidate actively engaged with participants, listened to concerns raised by stakeholders and shared his views on the future of Rivers State, stressing the importance of inclusive participation in governance.
He commended the organisers for creating a platform that allowed citizens to freely express their opinions on matters affecting the state, describing such engagements as essential for strengthening democracy and fostering unity.
According to him, sustained dialogue among stakeholders helps ensure that the voices of Rivers people remain at the centre of decision-making and contributes to the growth of democratic institutions.
Tom George also called on Kalabari traditional rulers, chiefs, youths and other relevant authorities to review the ongoing INEC project being constructed within the Asari-Toru Local Government Secretariat.
He argued that the secretariat was established to serve a specific administrative purpose and should be preserved for that responsibility.
The ADC candidate maintained that public institutions function more effectively when their statutory roles and responsibilities are respected and clearly defined.
He further noted that INEC already has an allocated parcel of land at Ojuka Sand Field and urged the authorities to provide the electoral body with a befitting office at its designated location.
According to him, relocating the project to the approved site would preserve the original purpose of the Local Government Secretariat, reinforce the independence of INEC and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Tom George concluded by reiterating the need for fairness, transparency and respect for established institutions, stressing that decisions concerning public assets and democratic institutions should always be guided by the long-term interest of the people of Rivers State.
