By. kehinde Ayanboade
The Oyo state chapter of the Independent National Electoral Commission on tuesday hold a Stakeholders election forum with various Political Parties, Security agencies, Electoral officers and Non governmental organization.
Oyo state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Mutiu Agboke win his remark shed more light on the shift in the date for Presidential and Gubernatorial election which was to hold on February 16 and March 2 respectively and have been rescheduled to the 23rd of February and 9th of March, 2019
He tender his “unreserved apology” to the Nigerian voters for the election rescheduling which he regarded to be “unavoidable ”
He disclosed that “The mobilization of men and materials had actually commenced before the announcement was made by the chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Even by the time the postponement statement was made and released by the chairman of the commission the sensitive materials had been delivered to a few local government offices of INEC in the state. The smart card readers had all been received by the 33 Local government offices of INEC in the Course of last week.
But we have swiftly returned them to the CBN for safekeeping.”He added.
Also speaking at the meeting, The chairman of the Inter – Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the Oyo state Commisioner for Police. CP Shina Olukolu confirm the readiness and preparation of the security agencies in assuring a violence free, fair and credible election in the state.
Olukolu urge the electorate to vote responsibly and return to there various homes after exercising there franchise.
Speaking about the safety of Corp Members that will be presiding over the election, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Commission (NYSC) Mrs. Olufunke Ambekemo express his satisfaction on the assurance of the security agencies to make the Corp Member save before during and after the election. He also urge the electoral officers to make adequate directives for corp members to know there responsibilities on time.
Significantly, an allegation was made by the state secretary of the All Progressive Congress, Comrade Mojeed Olaoya that the electoral officer in charge of Ibarapa North/Central made a statement that the REC instructed him to work for one Hon. Muraina.
This claim was immediately countered by the Representative of the People’s Democratic Party and seconded by the the Representative of the Zenith Labour Party, and the Rec back it Up with an impression that anything of such can never be pronounced by any of his personnels.
