The election committee of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) has warned its members that are vying for various positions in the association’s forthcoming election not to boycott the manifesto day scheduled to hold on 23rd October.
The warning was handed down by the Association Election Committee (ASSECO) chairman, Capt. Niyi Adeyemo in Lagos on Monday.
“The manifesto is for all candidates including sole candidates. They must be able to convince the voters what they will do for the association. If a candidate does not show up, then the voters should decide whether to give the candidate their votes or not.
“Even a sole candidate for a position must show up but if he or she doesn’t, there may be sanctions and from indications, all of them are desirous to make it with their crowd to seek their vote,” Adeyemo said.
On the shift in election date to 24th October from the original date of 15th October, he said: “The reason why we shifted the date was because the association shaved the head of ASSECO in their absence. They have agreed date before swearing in the body to oversee the election.
“The date that was earlier fixed will not be possible to organise a credible election. That was why we called all the stakeholders and those who are vying for positions to jaw jaw with them and let them know why we have to shift the date.”
The ASSECO chair also explained the role of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in the election process.
“The electoral committee is to package the election but the actual conduct of the election will be done by NIMASA, they are the returning officers for the election. They will carry out the election process, we are to set the guidelines for them and we are working hand in glove.
“NIMASA was made the returning officer because we are looking for an empire that had credibility and to give NISA election credibility we need an orgainisation that has credibility and we think the only organisation that can do that is our regulatory body.”
Adeyemo, however promised a level playing ground for all candidates saying the electoral body would treat all candidate the same way.
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