The Chairman of the Kwara State Unbiased Electoral Fee, Mohammed Okanla has stated that the Fee will conduct clear free and truthful Native Authorities Council elections within the state, saying that nobody can entice him with cash.
Reacting to accusations by some political events that the Fee was displaying indicators of assist for the ruling get together within the state at a one-day pre-election Stakeholders Discussion board held in Ilorin, the state capital on Tuesday, Okanla denied the allegation of supporting any of the 17 registered political events that put in for the native authorities election.
He stated, “It’s unfair for individuals to accuse me of supporting the ruling get together within the state on the native authorities elections. They’re giving false data. Let me inform you, I’ve my very own cash and I’m happy with no matter I’ve, nobody can entice me with cash.”
Okanla, whereas urging all stakeholders to cooperate with the fee and guarantee free, truthful, acceptable, inclusive and credible native authorities elections within the state, stated that the LG was the closest to the individuals on the grassroots.
“Native authorities elections are essential as they empower residents to actively take part in governance. They’re the closest type of authorities to the individuals, immediately addressing native points and neighborhood wants. The elected officers at this degree are liable for important providers corresponding to schooling, healthcare and infrastructure improvement.
“These elections additionally play a big position in nurturing future political leaders. They supply a platform for rising leaders to achieve expertise and show their capabilities. Furthermore, native authorities elections reinforce political accountability, guaranteeing that leaders stay attentive to the wants of their communities”, he stated.
He noticed that the LG elections are filled with challenges, saying, “As we method the elections, we’re confronted with points corresponding to political polarisation, voter apathy and the unfold of misinformation, including safety stays a paramount concern. Guaranteeing the protection of voters, electoral officers and is important.”
Whereas calling for collaboration of all stakeholders to make sure the success of the election, he stated their assist would obtain a clear and credible electoral course of.
“The success of the upcoming elections is determined by the collaboration of all stakeholders; Political events, Civil Society organizations, Safety companies, the media and the citizens all have essential roles to play.
“We’ve got established sturdy monitoring mechanisms to detect and handle any situations of fraud including collaboration with Civil Society organisations and electoral observers will improve the credibility and monitoring course of”, the chairman stated.
He added that the fee had held city corridor conferences with conventional rulers and the individuals within the 16 native authorities areas of the state.
Additionally talking on the discussion board, the previous Speaker of Kwara State Home of Meeting, Babatunde Mohammed, who’s the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Social gathering within the state, urged the fee to do what is feasible to make sure transparency within the forthcoming native authorities elections.
Mohammed, whereas interesting to the Fee to create a degree enjoying floor for all taking part political events, stated “The physique language of the fee will encourage the plenty to return out and vote within the election.”
The state chairman of the Motion Alliance, Ismail Ajinikirun, urged the fee to do the appropriate factor within the election including, “For those who do the appropriate factor, your thoughts will probably be clear.”
On the Stakeholders Discussion board had been heads of Safety Companies together with the Police, Nigeria Safety and Civil Protection Corps, Customs and the Federal Street Security Corps and the consultant of INEC.