The Oyo State House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment and readiness to support the State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in the forthcoming council elections to ensure standard outcomes without bias or special interest in political reception.
The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours, Hon. Akintunde Olajide, made the declaration during an interactive session with the OYSIEC Chairman, Are Isiaka Olagunju and other members of the Commission on the electoral guidelines and timetable for the conduct of Local Government Polls.
Hon. Olajide revealed that the State House of Assembly will not relent in its continuous efforts to amend and alter necessary laws to ensure that members of the public benefit significantly from the existing democratic system of the present administration in the State.
He commended the commission for being proactive in issuing the guidelines and timetable for the local government poll at the right time as stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Reacting to the purpose of the invitation by the House Committee, the Chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, Aare Isiaka Olagunju, stated that it is imperative under the new law to have three hundred and Sixty days of notice of an election and more reasons for issuing out the timetable to meet up with the new electoral law.
He appreciated the support of the State House. He added that the Commission has established a robust relationship with the Committee to ensure a transparent and credible Council election in the year 2024.
Assuring members of the public in the state of a credible election, Aare Olagunju said “Political parties that participated in the last election saw our transparency, credibility and capacity. I want to assure you that every political party will participate in forthcoming Local Government elections”.
He added, “there won’t be any reason for them to doubt our integrity. They knew what we did at the last election, and I’m sure that they are interested to participate in the Election”.
