OYSIEC Receives Support of Man O’ War Nigeria Ahead of 2024 Polls
Olubunmi Osoteku, Ibadan.
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has received the support of Man O’ War Nigeria and assured security agencies in the state of continued engagement in its quest to achieve a peaceful and credible Local Government Councils Election come 2024.
(Man O’ War Nigeria is a uniformed and paramilitary organization established by the Federal Government).
The OYSIEC chairman, Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, gave the assurance while playing host to officers of the Man O’ War Nigeria, Oyo State Command, who were on a courtesy call to the commission’s headquarters in Ibadan, the state capital.
Olagunju, who affirmed that the role of security agencies in the conduct of peaceful elections cannot be overemphasized, said that the commission was committed to improving security in every nook and cranny of the state on election day through effective collaboration with the Police, Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
He promised that the commission would not relent in its efforts to boost the morale and interest of voters in the local government elections to aid massive a turn-out on election day, appealing to officers of the security agencies to engage the populace on the need to embrace peace before, during and after the poll.
“We appreciate your visit and commitment. Recently, one or two persons raised concerns about security during my appearance on a phone–in radio programme. On our own, we are committed to ensuring that all the necessary things that we need to do will be done,” said the OYSIEC chairman.
He disclosed that the commission had been meeting with political parties and carrying them along, while all registered political parties in the state were participating in the forthcoming electio – a feat, he said was last achieved in the state about 20 years ago in 2003.
“I wouldn’t say that our last election was 100 per cent hitch-free, but we thank God.
“We will need you to complement the effort of other security agencies.
“The Commission requires you, the Police and the Nigerian Army to ensure the protection of voters before, during and after the election,“ he appealed.
Speaking earlier, the Commander, Man O’ War Nigeria, Oyo State Command, Alhaji Yekeen Lukmon, said the purpose of the visit was to register their support for OYSIEC ahead of the 2024 Local Government Councils Election in the state.
Lukmon, who commended the commission for the feat attained during the 2021 Local Government Election, expressed the readiness of the Command to partner with OYSIEC and contribute its quota to ensure a peaceful election.
