The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), has assured security agencies of continued engagement in its quest to achieve peaceful and credible Local Government Councils Election next year.
The OYSIEC boss, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, gave the assurance on Tuesday while playing host to officers of the MAN “O” War Nigeria, Oyo Sate Command, who were on a courtesy call to Commission’s headquarters ,Agodi, Ibadan.
Aare Olagunju affirmed that the role of security agencies in the conduct of peaceful elections cannot be overemphasized.
He said that the commission was committed to improving on security in the nooks and crannies of the state on election day through effective collaboration with the police, Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Olagunju added that the commission will not relent in it efforts to boost the morale of voters and interest in local government elections to aids massive turn – out on election day.
Olagunju appealed to officers of the security agent to engage the populace on the need to embrace peace before, during and after the poll.
“We appreciate your visit and commitment. Recently , one or two persons raised concern about security during my appearance on a phone – in radio program. On our own, we are committed to ensuring that all the necessary things that we need to do will be done.
“We have been meeting the political parties and carry them along. I am glad and happy to inform you that all the registered political parties are participating in the forthcoming election, the last time we had that was about 20 years ago, 2003, that was when we had all the political parties in the poll.
“I wouldn’t say that our last election was 100 percent hitch free, but we thank God. We will need you to complement effort of other security agencies. The Commission requires you, the police and the Nigerian Army to ensure the protection of voters before, during and after the election.
Speaking earlier, the Commander, MAN “O” War Nigeria, Oyo State Command, Alhaji Yekeen Lukmon, said the purpose of the visit was to register their support for OYSIEC ahead of the 2024 Local Government Councils Election in the state.
The Commander, who lauded the commission on the feat attained during the 2021 local government election, expressed the readiness of the command to partner with OYSIEC and contribute its quota to ensure a peaceful election.
