On Wednesday, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), kicked off a two-day capacity building workshop to ready OYSIEC Commissioners and Directors of the commission on the necessary components for the conduct of free and fair local government councils polls.
OYSIEC in conjunction with the University of Ibadan Ventures Limited (Consultancy Services), conducted the workshop and had in attendance, Professor Rasheed Aderinoye, Dr Gani Adeniran amongst others.
The OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, who spoke at the workshop tagged “Thematic Issues In The Conduct Of Local Government Election In Oyo State” held at the Conference Hall, University of Ibadan, noted that the workshop was part of preparations of the commission towards the conduct of local government council elections.
According to him “The lecture will provide an opportunity to OYSIEC team to further learn and appraise electoral process to achieve free, fair, credible and transparent election by May 15, 2021”.
He mentioned that seventeen political parties have mentioned their interest in the elections, adding that the commission is committed to conducting an election that will stand the test of time.
“We cannot assume we know all, we have to learn and re-learn for excellent results”.
“This is just the first phase of the workshop, there is going to be another one for all electoral officers the moment they are on the ground to ensure they deliver accordingly. We are reassuring relevant stakeholders in the state that their votes will count on election day” He added.
Dr Kazeem Olaniyan of the University of Ibadan, who also gave his remark on the topic “Imperative of Local Government Election in the Democratic Process” said that the presence of elected officeholders at local government remains the medium to communicate and convey the people’s interest.
Dr Olaniyan urged OYSIEC members to not disappoint the people of the state but strive to live up to expectations.
Dr Adedokun Najeem, who also gave his opinion emphasised the need for members of the commission to pay attention to the availability of election materials ahead of election day to ease the burden on concerned personnel.
He charged OYSIEC members to be role model for other states by conducting standard local government council elections.
