LG POLLS: LASIEC CHAIRMAN COMMENDS LAGOS RESIDENTS, STAKEHOLDERS

The Chairman, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, has expressed her gratitude to God as well as Lagos residents, particularly leaders and members of Political Parties, the Electorate, Royal Fathers, Religious and Community Leaders, Security Personnel, Election Personnel, the Media and other stakeholders for their support towards the successful conduct of the recently conducted elections in the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas of the State.

Justice Phillips noted that in fulfillment of her pledge at different fora prior to the day of the elections, the Commission provided a level playing field and worked tirelessly to guarantee fairness and justice for all the Political Parties and their candidates.

She also expressed satisfaction at the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood displayed by the agents of Political Parties at the different Polling Units where members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) monitored the elections, stressing that, “this is the right way to go if we really desire development and growth in the various communities of the State”.

While admitting that voting started late in some Polling Units, the Chairman attributed such incidents to the early morning downpour which hindered the prompt deployment of both the human and material resources and “naturally slowed down the pace at which the Commission would have loved to move”.

Hon. Justice Phillips further explained that the flooding experienced around some Polling Units as a result of the rain compounded the challenge as some Polling Units had to be relocated to guarantee the safety of the Electorate, the Polling Officials and the materials for the elections.

The Chairman congratulated the winners in the elections on their victory and urged them to display magnanimity in victory and regard their success at the Polls as the Will of God.

Mrs. Phillips also counseled the unsuccessful candidates to demonstrate the spirit of good sportsmanship and patiently look forward to another opportunity in the future, pledging the commitment of the Commission towards ensuring continuous improvement in the electoral process at the Local Government level of the State.

Pursuant to the Local Government Elections Tribunal Law Cap L75 (Laws of Lagos State, 2004), the Chairman stated that any Political Party that has any grievances should forward such to the Elections Petitions Tribunal as the Commission has no power to settle any disputes arising from the conduct of the elections.