Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has charged the newly inaugurated member of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC, Hon Jerry Ashwe to uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism in the conduct of elections at the grassroots level.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Government House in Makurdi. This comes after the death of former commissioner, Solomon Akighe, who passed away last year.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Alia described the electoral body as a critical institution in the state’s democratic framework, particularly in organizing and supervising local government elections.
Alia noted that the credibility of the commission largely depends on the character, competence, and impartiality of those entrusted with its responsibilities.
“The office you assume today is not merely administrative; it is profoundly moral and institutional.
“You are joining a body whose decisions will influence public confidence in democracy at the grassroots level.”
The governor urged the newly inaugurated commissioner to maintain independence of thought and action while carrying out his duties, emphasizing the need to adhere strictly to the highest standards of transparency and fairness.
He also commended the Benue State House of Assembly for its diligence in screening and confirming the nominee, noting that the legislature plays a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions.
In his response, Ashwe thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged to uphold the constitution and the laws of the state while working to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
