BY-ELECTIONS: LASIEC SEEKS MONARCHS’ SUPPORT
As part of preparations for the conduct of by-elections into the vacant Councillorship seats in Ogunoloko Ward (Ward B) and Dopemu Ward (also Ward B) in Oshodi/Isolo and Agege Local Governments of Lagos State respectively, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission ( LASIEC ) has visited traditional rulers in the affected Wards to seek their support towards the peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections.
While addressing the Baale of Dopemu, High Chief Shitta Afogunlowo and community leaders, an Electoral Commissioner of LASIEC, Chief (Mrs) Toyin Ibrahim- Famakinwa, appealed to the traditional ruler and community leaders to prevail on the youth in their community not to allow themselves to be used for electoral violence to guarantee peaceful conduct of the elections.
The Commissioner also gave assurance that the Commission would collaborate with relevant security agencies to ensure adequate security for lives and property, before, during and after the elections.
Chief (Mrs) Toyin Ibrahim- Famakinwa further disclosed that the Commission would also organize fora to enable the Commission directly interface with relevant security agencies, political parties, market men and women, members of Community Development Associations, youth associations, religious leaders among others, with a view to securing the support and cooperation of all for the successful conduct of the elections.
She also explained that it was not the responsibility of the Commission to nominate or select candidates for elective political offices, but that of the various political parties, adding that the Commission is only required by law to serve as umpire, providing a level playground for all contestants irrespective of the political parties each might belong.
She stated further that the Commission under the current Chairman, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, would not tolerate any form of election malpractices that could hinder the peaceful conduct and credibility of the electoral process, stressing that anybody caught for electoral offences would be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the law.
In his response, the Baale of Dopemu, Chief Shitta Afogunlowo, assured the Commission of his support to guarantee peaceful conduct of the people in the area, particularly the youth before, during and after the elections.
Another traditional ruler visited, the Elewu of Ewuland in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government of the State, His Royal Majesty Shakirudeen Kuti, promised to hold meetings with the youth, community and political leaders in the area on the need to always conduct their activities peacefully and eschew violence in whatever guise.
He commended the Commission for the initiative in seeking the support of traditional rulers for the successful conduct of the by-elections.
Recall that the two Councillorship seats became vacant following the death of the former occupants of the seats in the two Local Governments.