The Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, (OYSIEC), Aare Isiaka Olagunju, has harped on the need for citizens of the state to have trust in the state’s electoral processes and participate actively in order to experience good governance at local level.
He stated this on Thursday, while featuring on a Yoruba radio program in Ibadan, tagged “Benbe Oro.”
The Board chairman said it was essential to reposition the process of selecting leaders at the local government councils, hence, the general public must have confidence in the board and turn out enmasse during the polls.
Olagunju, maintained that the conduct of the commission would be in line with the stipulated laws with a view to ensuring that the will of the people prevail.
He hinted that his team has commenced familiarization tour to key stakeholders in the electoral processes towards achieving a credible and transparent elections, adding that the commission would intensify efforts on community cum voting sensitization to aid an inclusive local government elections.
On state of former OYSIEC board, Olagunju affirmed that the case is no longer in court, which according to him has been resolved amicably by concerned parties .
Olagunju disclosed further that the constitution of the board despite the pending case of ALGON at the supreme Court was necessary to ensure proper planning and optimum performance .
He explained that the Commission will soon reach out to certain stakeholders such as INEC, Religious leaders, Traditional leaders and host of others to keep them abreast of the plans and programs of the Commission.
“We at the commission want to serve the people of the state as well as the politicians . I don’t want any political party to be excluded, both of us have to work harmoniously for active participation and betterment of the state.
“We are not going to conduct election in LCDAs because Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended) is yet recognize them, this is one of the things that happened during the last election.
“The situation we met was not encouraging. Not withstanding the challenging position we are forging ahead with vigor.
“We are fully ready for the job for the benefit of the people and by God’s grace, we will deliver. I am sure the people of the state are eager to witness and participate in local government elections.
“Let me use this opportunity to inform the general public that our commission cannot dabble into election conduct without adequate preparation, it is like building a house without a solid foundation.
“We are sensitizing our people to develop interest in participating in the conduct of local government elections. We observed that people don’t show interest in LG elections due to previous experiences by past governments.
“We want the will of the people to prevail, this is why we are advocating that people should participate actively in the election and also have confidence and trust in the commission that the election will be transparent, free, fair and credible.”
