By Emma Amaize

WARRI — PRESIDENT-GENERAL of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the apex socio-cultural body of the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Major-General Patrick Aziza (rtd.), has, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to stick firmly to the mantra of one man, one vote, in the October 12 by-election in Delta Central senatorial district.

Aziza said that by adhering strictly to the rules, the people’s votes would count and same would ensure a peaceful, free and credible election in Urhoboland.

Aziza, who addressed the Urhobo nation on the by-election, also appealed to the candidates of the various political parties contesting the election to restrain their supporters from breaking the rules.

He said: “We must not do anything that is capable of breaking the peace or causing rancour and acrimony amongst our people because the Urhobo people cannot afford to lose sight of the bigger picture for 2015.

“I wish also to appeal to all the political parties to ensure fair play during the election, particularly when contestants are Urhobo versus Urhobo. Let us give opportunity to our people to make their best choice of candidate to represent them.

“We have observed and experienced in the past two years that whenever people are allowed to make their best choice of candidate, the candidate will always be more committed and answerable to his people and aspire to improve their living standards.

“The real umpires of this contest are the Urhobo people themselves, guided by INEC, and let all of us prove to other Nigerians and to the entire world that the Urhobo people love themselves, are civilised democrats and are peace loving people.”