Politics

OGSIEC Insists on Manual Collection Process for LG Elections

Published

3 months ago

August 29, 2024

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In the run-up to the 2024 local government elections in Ogun State, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has confirmed that it will employ a manual collation process for election results.

OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, disclosed this during an appearance on the current affairs program Frontline, aired on Eagle 102.5 FM.

He cited financial constraints as the primary reason for the commission’s decision not to deploy technological methods for result collation, explaining that the cost of such technologies would be “too expensive for the commission to bear.”

Despite the shift to manual collation, Mr. Osibodu assured the public that the process would be carried out with the utmost integrity and transparency, maintaining that the commission is fully committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.

Addressing concerns about the delay in the election process, Mr. Osibodu explained that various factors, many of which were beyond the commission’s control, had made it difficult to adhere strictly to the timelines mandated by the Local Government Law of Ogun State, 2006.

The law stipulates that local government council elections must be conducted no earlier than 60 days and no later than 30 days before the expiration of the current council’s term.

While acknowledging the importance of these timelines, he emphasized that practical realities sometimes require adjustments.

On the issue of voter registration, Mr. Osibodu stated that no new voter registrations would be conducted for the 2024 elections.

Instead, the commission will utilize the voter data compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 gubernatorial elections.

He clarified that OGSIEC lacks the mandate to register voters, thus necessitating the use of INEC’s existing voter database.

Mr. Osibodu also highlighted the crucial role of political parties in the electoral process, stressing the importance of broad participation to ensure a democratic and credible election.

“If opposition parties do not put forward candidates, it opens the door to manipulation and rigging,” he warned, urging all parties to actively participate and field candidates.

Responding to criticism over the ₦250,000 non-refundable administrative fee required for party participation, Mr. Osibodu defended the commission’s policy, stating that it does not violate the 1999 Constitution or the Electoral Act of 2022.

He explained that the fee, which is charged per party rather than per individual candidate, is in accordance with legal provisions.

He also noted that while a court judgment had prohibited the collection of an interest of nomination fee by the commission, it did not ban the administrative fee itself.

In preparation for the elections, Mr. Osibodu assured the public that OGSIEC is working closely with security agencies to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.

He called on the public to support the commission’s efforts to maintain peace, stating, “We are working closely with security agencies to provide a safe environment for all voters.”

Despite the financial and logistical challenges, Mr. Osibodu reiterated OGSIEC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and fairness.

Politics

Ogun central will produce Ogun’s next governor in 2027, says Tunji Ishola

Published

5 days ago

November 28, 2024

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Ogun central will produce Ogun’s next governor in 2027, says Tunji Ishola

Former Nigeria high commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Sharafadeen Tunji Ishola has asserted that Ogun central would produce the state’s next governor in 2027.
According to the former steel minister, this is the first time that the Egbas would agree on the zoning of governorship to the Ogun central senatorial district.
Ishola, who is suspected to be interested in the state’s 2027 governorship, stated this on Wednesday while addressing members of Ogun women in politics who hosted him for his sixty fourth birthday.
The reception took place at the residence of apc national leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba at the GRA, Ibara in Abeokuta.
The former diplomat dismissed claims in some political circles that Ogun central’s quest for the 2027 governorship poll was a calculated agenda to sabotage the dream of Ogun west to produce governor for the first time.
According to him, Egba politicians have been spearheading moves by the Ogun west to produce Ogun state governor, citing how former president Olusegun Obasanjo backed late general Tunji Olurin, while he served as his campaign manager during the 2011 polls.
Ishola also said in 2015, he backed another Ogun west candidate, prince Gboyega Isiaka, while former governor, Ibikunle Amosun, another Egba politician, sponsored Prince Adekunle Akinlade, also from Ogun west in 2019.
Also in 2023, Ishola said that Amosun backed another Ogun west candidate, Tunji Otegbeye in the governorship poll.

Politics

Ogun Deputy Gov Commends TRACE Over Traffic Management Efficiency

Published

5 days ago

November 28, 2024

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Ogun Deputy Gov Commends TRACE Over Traffic Management Efficiency

Officers and men of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (trace) have been commended for consistently providing a platform for reflection, learning and strategic planning in the traffic management sector across the state.
The state deputy governor, engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele stated this at the ninth annual trace commanders’ conference and retreat for senior officers, in Abeokuta, described officers and men of the agency as lifeline to countless road users in the state.
Speaking earlier, head of state civil service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the agency at ensuring that motorways remain safe and secure for all road users and pedestrians.
Lending their voices, commissioner for transportation, engineer. Gbenga Dairo, special adviser on security, AIG Sola Subair, Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), corps commander Akinwunmi Fasakin and Director of The State Fire Services, Engineer. Fatai Adefala, pledged that the collaboration between them would be strengthened, in order to create a safer environment for road users.
In his welcome address, commander and chief executive officer, trace, commander ‘Seni Ogunyemi said the event was crucial in the rapidly evolving landscape of public safety, planning and transportation management, noting that there was a decrease of 36.26 percent in the number of cases recorded in 2024 compared to last year.
Highlight of the conference was the presentation of excellent award to the head of service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, permanent secretaries, bureau of establishments and training, as well as cabinet and special services, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo and Alhaji Olanrewaju Saka, for their rare and exceptional resilience in providing human capacity development in road safety matters.

Politics

Gov Approves Appointment of Two Permanent Secretaries

Published

6 days ago

November 27, 2024

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Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the appointment of two new permanent secretaries into the Ogun state civil service.
They are Doctor Ogunsanya Olaitan, a consultant in surgery and Mr Abdul Suraj Olubamiro, a physiotherapist.
Head of the state civil service, kehinde onasanya, who made this known in a statement, said their selection process was guided by merit, professionalism, inclusiveness and seniority, ensuring that the most qualified individuals were chosen for roles.
The governor charged the new permanent secretaries to exhibit unwavering dedication, diligence and commitment in their new positions.