Participate actively in electoral process for good governance, commission chairman tells electorate

Segun Showunmi in Ibadan

The  Board 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.

Penpushing reports that Olagunju stated this while featuring on a Yoruba radio program in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, stressing that it was essential to reposition the process of selecting leaders at the local government council, hence, the general public must have confidence in the board and turn out enmasse during the polls.

The commission boss 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, just as he  hinted that his team has commenced familiarization tour to key stakeholders in the electoral processes towards achieving a credible and transparent elections.

Penpushing further reports that, Olagunju added that the commission would intensify efforts on community cum voting sensitization to aid an inclusive local government elections, and explained that the commission will soon reach out to certain stakeholders such as Independent National Electoral Commission (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”, he stated

“The situation we met was not encouraging. Notwithstanding 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.