The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has announced the date for election in local councils and Local Council Development Authority (LCDAs) in the state.
The electoral body said it would conduct elections in all the existing 33 local government councils and the newly created 35 LCDAs on February 11, 2017.
Announcing the date, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr Jide Ajeigbe, said that the Commission had embarked on a familiarisation visits to all the security agencies in the state to ensure adequate security before, during and after the conduct of the election.
Officials of the commission visited the Headquarters, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Odogbo, Ibadan and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command,
Mr Ajeigbe told the security agencies that for the commission to achieve free and fair election, it was imperative to beef up security for the lives and property of residents and consequently restated the commitment and preparedness of the Commission in conducting a transparent election.
He, however, canvassed for the support of the security agencies in maintaining law and order as well as peace which has been existing in the state, stressing that although, election is a civic responsibility, adequate security is also required.
In their separate remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) headquarters 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Kasimu Abudulkarim and the Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant John Adewole, emphasised that it was essential to provide a conducive environment by abiding with the provisional guidelines of conducting local government polls.
While stressing the sensitivity attached to elections in the country, Major-General Abdulkarim enjoined the commission to take cognisance of the respondent (the Police) to maintain law and order.
The duo appreciated Governor Abiola Ajimobi for creating a peaceful environment in the state in the last five years, adding that “anybody that says peace is expensive, let him try crisis”.
They, therefore, assured the commission of peaceful environment where the electorates could exercise their civic responsibilities
“We promise never to compromise on our job during and after the election. We are here to protect government assets and we are all government assets,” Commandant Adewole added.
