The Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, (OYSIEC), Aare Isiaka Olagunju, has disclosed that the commission would not engage electoral officers based on political affiliation but their credibility for the purpose of achieving acceptable polls at the grassroots.
Olagunju , made the disclosure during the visit of the commission to office of the State Director , National Orientation Agency (NOA) , in Ibadan .
The Chairman , who spoke through one of the board members , Hon Emmanuel Olanrewaju , said the board will rely largely on staffers of the commission for the job ahead to prevent unforseen circumstances .
He hinted further that his team remain committed to the conduct of unbiased poll , hence , it was essential for political parties to abide by the rules guiding local government council elections in Oyo state in order to have a credible and voilence free polls .
He urged members of the political parties in the state to mobilize their people for elections , saying that the act would enable the people of the state to examine and support candidate of their choice .
The chairman, then solicited for the support of NOA in the area of enlightenment to enhance massive partication in the forth coming local government council elections .
” Our decision is to respect the people of the state by making their votes counts . This time , election results will be made public as we have them ”
” We will be fair to all political parties in our conduct, we are urging them to observe the election’s rules and mobilize their people to vote in a peaceful manner during the elections .
In her remarks , the Director , National Orientation Agency in Oyo State, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu , harped on the need for OYSIEC to provide a level playing ground for political parties to enhance active participation .
She noted that, it is important for members of the board to intensify efforts in achieving mutual trust between them and all political parties in the state .
Mrs . Dosunmu , who described local government election as foundation of democracy, admonished members of the board to make transparency their watch word and ensure they improve on operations of their predecessors for an inclusive polls .
” I congratulate your team for coming on board at the time the state is having a governor who is not sentimental .
It is essential for your commission to work on trust for the people and political parties to partake in the elections.
” We will stand by you and assist you achieve your target, I implore your team to build a solid legacy to remain a reference point when it comes to the conduct of local government elections in Oyo state “
