The Residential Electoral Commission (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Oyo state Barrister Mutiu Agboke on Wednesday asked politicians elected in the 2019 general elections not to disappoint those that elected them.
New Nigerian Newspaper reports that Agboke gave the advice in Ibadan at the presentation of certificates of return to the Governor-elect of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, deputy Governor-elect, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan and 32 members-elect in the state House of Assembly, held at Banquet Hall, Premier Hotel, Ibadan
The REC emphasized that there is the need for the elected officials to be cautious of the fact that “2023 is around the corner”.
“Let me admonish the elected officials not to down play the dreams, feelings and expectations of their constituencies and the electorates in general. The voters, in some cases, risked their lives, sacrificed their comfort, shunned intimidation and harassment to cast their ballot for you. You cannot afford to disappoint them”, he said.
Barrister Agboke added “always have it at the back of your minds that 2023 is around the corner. Elections are designed to renew or withdraw mandate”
Speaking further, Barrister Agboke disclosed that the Commission presently has
17 petitions before the election tribunal in Oyo State. arising from the general elections in the state.
According to the REC, the breakdown of the petition ” is four (4), senatorial and thirteen (13) House of Representatives petitions.”
“Filling and hearing of election petitions fall into post-election activities as aggrieved candidates are given the opportunity of presenting their grievances before the judiciary. After each general election, it is customary with the commission to organise retreats, workshops and seminars involving all relevant stakeholders in order to conduct wholistic review of the election and profer necessary amendments and corrections where necessary. In the course of these interactions, reports from both domestic and foreign observers missions/groups would be critically analysed and thoroughly considered”.
Barrister Agboke said, “,the commission, in collaboration with all the strategic stakeholders will continue to improve on the electoral process in order to further consolidate our democracy. No stone shall be left unturned in our journey to being the flagship among the election management bodies in Africa.
“Lest I conclude this address, on behalf of the entire staff of INEC Oyo state, let me express very hearty congratulations to the Excellences, the Governor-elect, the deputy Governor-elect and the 32 honourable members of the Oyo state House of Assembly. We wish you a very successful, positive and impactful tenure as you take the leadership responsibility of Oyo state
