The Oyo State House of Assembly has tasked the members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Committee, OYSIEC on credible election and to ensure that all aspirants seeking elective positions in the proposed council election are given level playing field.
This position was made known today at the meeting of the House Committee on Local Government held with the officials of OYSIEC to deliberate on the released guidelines and time table for the conduct of proposed local government council election.
The meeting which was held today at the Caucus meeting chaired by the Chairman House Committee on Local Government, Hon. Akintunde Olajide AKT.
Hon. Akintunde AKT while giving his opening remark, thanked all the participants for deeming it fit to honour the committee’s invitation. He discussed briefly on the time table released by OYSIEC on the proposed Local Government Council election, he stated that the purpose of the gathering was to be intimated with the plans and preparations of the members of the OYSIEC on the released timetable.
In his words, while discussing the rationale behind the prompt release of the time table, the Chairman of OYSIEC, Alhaji Isiaka Olagunju SAN said it was necessary to conduct new election due to the fact that the tenure of office of the incumbent chairmen is gradually coming to end, he cited a section of the constitution, which empowers the Commission to reel out at least 360 days notification before the election day. He further made clarification on the timeframe by making reference to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of Osun OSIEC/opposition parties which ruled that notice of 60 days could be given as well.
Hon. Wale Gbadamosi popularly known as Wale Canada while speaking, asked the OYSIEC chairman to clarify the insinuation from certain quarters that the OYSIEC election would not give everybody level playing ground as there was a grand plan for “selection” as against “election”.
While reacting to the question, the OYSIEC Chairman said, when he was appointed to lead the Commission, he asked a direct question from Gov Makinde if he would allow him to operate freely and conduct free and fair election in which the Governor acceded to his request. He however expressed his displeasure to the inability of the opposition parties to participate in the last election having done everything possible to convince them of his mission to conducting free and fair election without any fear or favour.
“I am reiterating my commitment now in the presence of PRESS that the commission I am leading would not condone any act that is capable of jeopardizing the smooth conduct of peaceful, free and fair election.
“If you are looking for someone that would rig election, count me out, my stance at the commission is to ensure that everybody is given level playing ground”, said the OYSIEC Chairman.