2011: ONLY ELECTORATE CAN CHECKMATE RIGGERS – FAYOSE

People of Ekiti State have been challenged by the former governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose to ensure that election riggers do not have their ways in the 2011 general elections. He made the call on Friday in Ikole-Ekiti during his political campaign in readiness for the next election.

Fayose, who had signified his interest in the governorship race in the state, observed that only the concerted efforts of all opposition parties and the electorate could bring election rigging to the barest minimum in the next general elections.

He noted that if the electorate were sensitized on how they could prevent rigging in their various wards and polling stations, the rigging rate would be reduced drastically.

Commenting on the recent statement credited to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye that Nigerians would revolt if the 2011 election is rigged, the former governor, who is now a member of Labour Party (LP) said the electorate should be determined to turn the table against the few elite who toyed with their lives through manipulation of election results.

He lamented the rate of election manipulation by politicians, who had seen the act as part of life, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might be outsmarted by the antics of the politicians who were experts at election rigging.

'I have always advised the members of the Labour Party (LP) to always be on guard to checkmate rigging from any quarters. That is why, at every opportunity, I tried to educate the electorate on matters relating to election to raise their consciousness and that is the only way rigging can be checked,' Fayose said.

Commenting on the recent withdrawal of certificate of recognition of The University of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (TUNEDIK), the former governor, who commended the action of the National University Commission (NUC), said if elected the governor of the state in 2011, he would close down and merge all the new varsities with the existing University of Ado-Ekiti.

He described the new development as a fall-out of the shoddy preparations of the state government and failure to consult with the stakeholders to know their agitations before establishing the institution.

'In fact, if I become the governor in 2011, within 48 hours, I will disband the TUNEDIK and reinforce the Faculty of Education in the University of Ado Ekiti to produce more educationists for the country. Look at UNAD, it was not well funded and the government is thinking of creating another university to compound the problem in the sector.

'Ekiti is very lucky now because we now have a private university, Afe Babalola University that can produce graduates in all fields. So, I really support the withdrawal,' Fayose said.