ABIODUN ASSURES OF FREE, FAIR LG POLLS IN OGUN

 The promotion of policies and programmes that will ensure people enjoy more dividends of democracy, through the conduct of free and fair election at the Local Government level will continue to receive utmost attention, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured.

 Governor Abiodun, who gave this assurance during the inauguration of the Chairman and members of Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), at the Executive Council Chambers, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said ‘’a credible election is generally accepted as consent of the people to be governed willingly by those whom they have elected’’.

He said the event was another landmark in the annals of democratic development and a signpost to show the State government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda. 

          ‘’The swearing-in was an indication of our readiness to complement the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the national level. The peaceful conduct and general acceptance of Local Government elections is tied to the resourcefulness and effectiveness of the State Electoral Commission.

‘’It is, therefore, imperative that we put in place an effective machinery to ensure that our people at the Local Government level are provided an effective platform to exercise their right in electing leaders at that level.

‘’The new members of the Commission have been carefully selected among renowned managers of men and women of Ogun State with high integrity, professionalism, who are apolitical and unbiased’’, he said.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Commission, Babatunde Osibodu appreciated the Governor for the opportunity to serve, observing that the responsibility entrusted on them was onerous, pledged the readiness and willingness of his committee to organize a free, fair and credible election Local Government elelction in the State.

Osibodu said  ‘’the forth coming Local Government election will be a benchmark for future elections, not just in Ogun State, but in the entire country’’, adding that the Commission will collaborate with all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Political Parties, Security Agents, among others.

Speaking shortly after the ceremony, a member of the Committee, Olatunji Akoni, who is currently the Chairman, Electoral Officers in the State, noted that ‘’members of the Committee are vast experienced’’, saying with proper planning and the help of God, they will deliver credible election that would be first of its kind in Ogun State and Nigeria.

Other members of the Commission are, Omolaja Soyeolu, Ayodele Bankole, Olugbemisola Onasanya and Remilekun Olaopa.