Politics

OSSIEC Boss Calls for Collaboration for Credible Election

By Web News 355

By Funmi Ojo

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSSIEC, is committed to ensuring that the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for February 22 are conducted in a credible, free, and fair manner.

The Chairman of OSSIEC, Mr Hashim Abioye stated this at an interaction session with the Osun Chapter, League of Veteran Journalists at the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Secretariat in Osogbo.

Mr Abioye addressed concerns about ongoing litigations related to the electoral process, stating that while there are pending court cases, they do not hinder the commission’s preparations for the elections.

He emphasized the importance of starting from a solid foundation with the proper issuance of the notice of election, cautioning that any errors at the preliminary stage could undermine the entire process.

Despite the existence of legal challenges, the OSSIEC Chairman clarified that no political candidates have been disqualified, as rumoured since all participating parties have successfully conducted their primaries.

He also mentioned that the post-election tribunal is being established by the state’s Chief Judge and reassured that the development would not interfere with the electoral timeline.

Highlighting the importance of collective responsibility, Mr Abioye stressed that every stakeholder involved must work together to ensure the elections’ success.

To this end, he said guidelines and manuals have been provided to political parties, and consultations with legal professionals have been conducted to maintain adherence to legal and constitutional standards.

He called on political parties and stakeholders to collaborate with the commission in fulfilling its mandate to facilitate a credible election.

In a remark, the acting Chairman of the League of Veteran Journalists in Osun, Mr Adeyeye Oyedokun, praised OSSIEC for its transparency and commitment to conducting a successful election.

He also assured that the media would continue to support democratic processes by fulfilling its crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability.

Also Speaking, a retired Director of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr Emmanuel Agboola, emphasized the critical nature of election matters, which require comprehensive legal frameworks and open-door policies to ensure credibility and prevent violence.

Mr Agboola expressed hope that the success of the February 22 Local Government elections would serve as a model for other states

He urged OSSIEC to ensure an equitable electoral process by providing all political parties with a level playing field.

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Politics

LG Election: Oyo Speaker Condemns Violence, Calls for Thorough Investigation into Killings

By Web News 620

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin has called on Security Agencies to as a matter of urgency unravel those behind Eruwa shooting , describing the development as condemnable, unfortunate, unwarranted and sad. 

Hon Ogundoyin while reacting to the death of two people in Eruwa on Saturday during the Local Government election condoled with the families of the victims and the entire people of Eruwa on the sad occurrence.

According to the Speaker, it is completely wrong for any security Agent to open fire on the people no matter the level of provocation.

“I sent my condolences to the entire people of Eruwa and the families of the bereaved in particular. This is grievous and really tormenting. There’s however the urgent need for the Nigeria Police to commence full investigation into the events that led to the death of the two persons, and their findings should be made public pretty soon. 

“Eye witness accounts said that Customs officials shot sporadically to disperse a group of supporters who barricaded the road, and who were demanding that their candidate be declared the winner. There’s no justification for officials of Nigeria Customs Service or any other Security agents to shoot and kill people in such a situation. The action of the officers is condemnable and reprehensible, and anyone found culpable in the course of investigation should be brought to Justice.” Hon Ogundoyin stated

He described as untrue the rumor making the rounds that he sponsored political thugs to attack his own people, and stressed that the malicious and misleading information was orchestrated by disgruntled political foes who believe politics is a do or die affair.

The Speaker again maintained that he will never hurt, maim or shed any blood for any political gain.

“Why would I import political thugs for Local Government election? This is unthinkable. That’s another propaganda and cheap political lie. I have won two elections against incumbent and ruling political party in Oyo State. I didn’t use political thugs against my people. They gave me their mandate freely, and on trust. Why would someone think I will start using political thugs now or disrupt voting process when I and the PDP Government in Oyo State are enjoying the support of my people. Let me reiterate that we will continue to stay connected with our people. “

“At this point, it is also necessary for me to urge OYSIEC to investigate allegations of ballot box snatching and stuffing if any in Eruwa to ensure that the Election is not only credible but also acceptable. “Oyo Speaker said.

Mosope Kehinde

Politics

LG Election: Come for Personal Data Form, OGSIEC Tells Political Parties

By Web News 740

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, has implored political parties participating in the forthcoming Local Government elections in the State to contact the Commission for the collection of Personal Data Forms for candidates.

Speaking during an internal appraisal of preparation at the OGSIEC office in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, explained that collection of  the Personal Data Forms also known as Forms CF 001 and CF 002 had commenced and would end on  Friday,  28th May, 2021.

Mr Osibodu said though the information had been in the public, there was the need to further remind political parties and guide them along every step, which he enjoined them to comply.

He said submission of the Personal Data Forms for Candidates would be from Thursday, 13th May to 1st June, 2021, emphasizing the need to keep intimating political parties with the guidelines and timetable cannot be overemphasized.

Olusegun Folarin

Politics

OYSIEC Assures Stakeholders of Credible LG Election

By Web News 578

Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, has given assurance to stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to conducting credible local government election.

The OYSIEC Chairman, Chief Isiaka Olagunju stated this at a two day capacity building workshop for commissioners and directors at the University of Ibadan.

Chief Olagunju pointed out that the training was parts of OYSIEC’s efforts to ensure staffs were well equipped ahead of the election.

In a lecture entitled Imperative of Local Government Election in the Democratic Process, a senior lecturer in the department of Jurisprudence and International Law, Faculty of Law, UI, Dr Kazeem Olaniyan, noted that credible elections are the guarantee of democracy,

He advocated the need for state government to develop institutions and practices for peaceful and acceptable polls.

Sherrif Nazrudeen

Politics

OYSIEC Releases Local Government Election Timetable

By Web News 830

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, on Monday, said elections into the 33 Local Government Councils of Oyo State will hold on Saturday, 15th May, 2021.

The Chairman, State Independent Electoral Commission, Aare Isiaka Olagunju, SAN, disclosed this during a press conference held at the OYSIEC headquarters, Agodi GRA, Ibadan.

According to the OYSIEC boss, the nomination form for the position of chairman will cost two hundred and fifty thousand naira, while hundred thousand naira will be paid to the obtain councilor nomination form.

He, however, enjoined stakeholders concerned to give their support and cooperation to the commission in a bid to organize and conduct free, fair, and credible local government council’s election in Oyo state.

When quizzed about the ongoing court case which may serve as a bottleneck to the upcoming local government council elections, the OYSIEC Chairman explained that there is no cause for alarm, noting that the Supreme Court would have given its judgment before the election holds.

According to the election timetable released by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, campaigns by political parties will commence on Wednesday, 17th February 2021, and end on Friday, 14th May 2021.

Adedayo Adelowo

Politics

Oyo LG Election: OYSIEC Seeks Support of FRCN

By Web News 811

Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, has sought the support of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station on awareness campaign to eliminate voter apathy in the forthcoming Local government election.Chairman, OYSIEC, Are Isiaka Olagunju made the plea during a courtesy visit to Management of FRCN, Ibadan.

Are Olagunju who led other management staff of OYSIEC, said the reason for the visit was to ensure proper communication between the electoral body and the public.

The OYSIEC boss, Are Olagunju who noted that the commission had perceived lack of trust from the public, gave asurance that the present leadership would ensure that votes count and set a precedence of transparent local government election in the state.

Receiving the visitors, the zonal director  FRCN Ibadan zonal station, Alhaji Muhammed Bello gave assurance that Radio Nigeria which has been known for developmental journalism ,would always be a partner in progress.

Alhaji Bello expressed the hope of an outstanding local government election.

Dayo Adelowo

Politics

LG Election: INEC Hands Over Eighteen Active Political Parties to OYSIEC

By Web News 1587

Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, has given assurance that forthcoming local government election in the state will reflect the choice of the people.

Chairman OYSIEC, Are Isiaka Olagunji made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Office of The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Ibadan.

Are Olagunju, who noted that previous local government elections in the state had been marred with controversies, expressed the confidence that the present leadership of the electoral body would ensure transparency and embark on a positive re- write of electoral process in Oyo State.

Are Olagunju called on residents of Oyo state to hold him accountable for the outcome of local government election.

Receiving the Team from OYSIEC, Resident Electoral commissioner In Oyo State, Mr. Mutiu Agboke assured OYSIEC of INEC’s support in ensuring smooth local government election in the state.

Mr. Agboke advised the chairman of OYSIEC to avoid secrecy and urged him to constantly engage the media on salient issues in order to carry the public along.

While briefing the OYSIEC board on the status of political parties in Oyo state, Mr Agboke handed over a list of eighteen active political parties in the state to OYSIEC . 

Highlight of the event was the presentation of INEC’s policy document to OYSIEC..

Adedayo Adelowo