From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

As plans to conduct local government election in the state are in top gear, the Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) Dr Ekong Edet Boco said the electoral management body would partner with the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure a successful conduct of the election.

He stated this in his office in Calabar when the Chairman and Executive Members of the NURTW paid him a courtesy call. The Chairman acknowledged their contributions and the long standing relationship between the union and election management bodies in the country adding that they were relevant to the smooth conduct and success of any election.”I appreciate what they have been doing with election management bodies, I am one of such that came from that particular body, so I know too well of the relationship that had been in place”According to him “We need you just as you need us because we cannot conduct any election without the services of NURTW”.Boco promised that at the appropriate time the commission would discuss with them modalities of their contributions to the upcoming local government election.”In a few days to come we will sit together with you to talk about the actual contributions of NURTW to the success of local government elections in the state” and thanked them for the visit.The representative of the Chairman and Assistant State Secretary of the NURTW, Victor Essien said their visit was to familiarise themselves with the new commission and to synergize towards the forthcoming Local Government Election in the state.While congratulating the Chairman and Members of the commission for their appointment, he assured that as critical stakeholders they will partner with the commission to ensure its success.