Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa says critical stakeholders must take the collective responsibility to promote a peaceful, inclusive and transparent electoral process in the upcoming Local Government elections.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the remark at a two day sensitization workshop for political parties and key election stakeholders organized by the Ondo state Independent electoral commission ODIEC held at the state Information Technology Agency SITA in Akure.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami said “The Theme of this workshop is “Election Stakeholders, Grassroots Democracy and Good Governance”. This is very apt because Section 7 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) states that the system of Local Government by democratically elected Local Government Councils is under this Constitution guaranteed: a position which was recently affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“We must applaud the Ondo State Electoral Commission for its unwavering commitment to guaranteeing democracy at the grassroots through its pursuit of conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections”
He enjoined participants to take full benefit of the workshop and dissect the issues towards enriching democracy and good governance at the grassroots level.
“As you are aware, our dear State is also inching towards an off-season Gubernatorial Election slated for 16th November, 2024, according to the election time-table of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This election would come up before the Local Government elections. In both cases, we must urge all political gladiators and stakeholders to conduct our electioneering activities peacefully and recommit to free and fair elections. We mu. t do this in honour of our founding fathers and to continue to occupy our pride of place in the political firmament of our dear country, Nigeria.”
Earlier, Chairman of Ondo state Independent electoral commission ODIEC, Dr Joseph Aremo said the workshop will further enhance inclusiveness for all parties involved to participate in the forthcoming local government election.
“Political parties is the driving force of participation. If you don’t belong to a political party, you cannot contest no matter how influential you are, therefore at the end of this lecture, I expect political parties to do the needful”, Aremo said.
Aremo said all hands must be on deck to ensure that the forthcoming local government election is devoid of violence.
