2023: UNICAL VC Reveals Key To Credible Elections

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has given adequate security as the key to a free and fair election in 2023.

Obi said this on Wednesday in Calabar when she received the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, who paid her a courtesy visit in her office.

The VC, who said the level of insecurity in the state is alarming, cautioned that inadequate security would mar the 2023 general elections.

She stated that the electorate was worried for their lives and safety, adding that it is the responsibility of INEC to encourage the people to vote by assuring sufficient security during the exercise.

Gabriel Yomere and UNICAL's VC Prof. Florence Obi

Obi, who commended the REC for sensitising voters in the state on the need to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), said the mock accreditation conducted by the REC was satisfying.

She also commended the commissioner for agreeing to publicise the names of eligible voters in the state.

“Let me, first of all, commend you for making out time to visit and share with us the progress your commission has recorded as regards the forthcoming elections.

“With the level of preparedness you have shared with us, I must say, God willing, voters will come out to vote and their votes will count.

"Thank you for your resilience towards a credible election.

“One thing that worries me is the issue of insecurity. We are worried about our lives and safety, not just as Vice Chancellor, but as staff that would be involved in carrying out some duties.

“We plead that the Independent National Electoral Commission should do much more in the area of security,” the VC said.

Obi further separated her commitment to partnering with the REC by supporting policies and standards that would ensure credible elections.