The Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC ), Barrister Isiaka Olagunju has met and solicited for the support of critical stakeholders like Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC ), Oyo State and other security agencies ahead of local government polls.
The Commission chairman, while speaking during the courtesy visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp’s (NSCDC ) Oyo State Command’s Office, Agodi Ibadan and Radio Nigeria, South West Zonal headquarters at Oba Adebimpe Road, Dugbe Ibadan, reiterated the commitment of the commission members to conduct an election that would be free of any form of voters’ harassment and intimidation.
Olagunju, hinted further that the commission would not relent in its awareness and advocacy drive on the importance of massive participation of the citizens of Oyo State at the electoral process at the grassroot.
On the likely date for the conduct of elections, Olagunju said building people’s trust and confidence remains the focus of the commission at the moment having identified both as core challenges before the commission .
While commending the NSCDC for maintaining peace and order in the society, Olagunju allayed fears of the populace on various inadequacies attributed to past local government council elections in the state.
He speaks further: “The feelers we have been receiving from the populace is lack of trust and confidence in the commission and restoring these take precedence above any other process.
“We have started the process of doing things differently , our focus this time around is to engage the populace to have that trust in the process and confidence in our commission that the commission is going to conduct a free, fair and transparent election.
“We are engaging and collaborating with relevant stakeholders for maximum support to ensure a violence free and credibile elections”
“The foundation of democracy is at the grassroots which is responsible for meaningful development in the country, that is why we have determined to organize local government council elections that would be a shinning star of other council elections conducted in the state.
In his remarks, the State Commandant , Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , ( NSCDC), Alhaji Iskilu Abiodun Akinsanya, assured the populace of security of lives and properties before , during and after the conduct of local government council polls.
He admonished the commission to at all times update the corps about its activities for them to play their role as expected.
Also speaking, the Zonal Director , Federal Radio Corporation Of Nigeria , ( FRCN) , Ibadan Zonal Station, Alhaji Mohammed Bello,
harped on the need for the commission to allow residents of the state to have a right of choice of the leaders to govern them at the Local government councils.
“Democracy is all about people , a level playing field should be created for all political parties notwithstanding the party in government
“We will do the right thing by conveying the news. I urge your team to break the jinx in Oyo State , set standard and legacy for other states of the country to follow by creating a platform for the populace to elect their leaders at the local government freely,” He said.
