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The Chairman of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Barrister Hashim Abioye, has reiterated the commitment of his Commission to conduct credible and acceptable local government polls in Osun State as highlighted in the notice of election issued by the Commission earlier in February, 2024.
In a swift reaction to a press statement by IPAC, Osun State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the OSSIEC Chairman, dismissed the allegation of manipulation raised by IPAC as baseless and needless, stating that election is a process and that since the coming on board of the Commission under his watch, including the time before, during and after the issuance of notice and schedule of activities for the election, the Commission has been carrying IPAC along.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Omoyemi Badru the OSSIEC Chairman noted that “he is being guided by the principle of transparency, accountability and dedication to public service in a way that will guarantee the sustainability of democracy at the grassroots, and at the same time prevent public funds being invested in the conduct of local government elections from going down the drain as it was under the previous administration.”
In addition, the OSSIEC Boss stated that “on assumption of office, I promised to carry along all the stakeholders (IPAC inclusive) every step of the way, and I have been acting in total fidelity to that pledge.
“When we issued notice of election in February, I ensured a copy was given to each of all the political parties in the State notwithstanding whether or not such political party has identified with the Commission under my leadership. I have nothing to hide, my doors are always open, our resolve to deliver credible and acceptable local government elections is sacrosanct, our commitment is unwavering in ensuring that public funds being expended on the Commission and its activities have value justification.
“From the timetable and schedule of activities, the period for conduct of primary and nomination of candidates by political parties has been clearly stated, and it has not changed as at today. If anything will change at all, definitely it will be with the collective decision of all the stakeholders, and it will be in the collective interest of the public.”
He further said, “Within 3 months of my assumption of office, I have embarked on a massive and fantastic facelift of the Commission premises, and IPAC can attest to this. The Commission environment is becoming an aura of respectability and friendliness. The staff are always on ground and enthusiastic because of the quality leadership we are providing, unlike before.”
The Chairman therefore assured IPAC and all stakeholders not to entertain any fear or doubt about the competence and readiness of OSSIEC to deliver on its mandate, adding that all stakeholders will be treated fairly in the entire process.
I think the OSSIEC Chairman should be given the benefit of doubts by IPAC and IPAC should feel free to approach him for clarity of any issue that isn’t clear to o them instead of making releases that will end up as unverified claims which is not too good for our society and I will also urge the OSSIEC Chairman to be prompt in disseminating news to the public so that casting of doubts about his activities and leadership by stakeholders will fizzle out. Communication gap can create doubts and mistrust.