The Oyo State Anti—Corruption Agency (OYACA), has expressed its readiness to be actively involved in the forthcoming Local Government Councils Election, saying it won’t be business as usual on the day of the election.
The Chairman of the Agency, Hon. Justice Eni Esan (Rtd) gave the assurance on Tuesday while playing host to the leadership of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), at the Agency, Agodi, Ibadan.
Hon. Justice Esan explained that the agency will mobilize its officers across the geopolitical zones of the state to monitor and report election malpractices that may occur and report to the agency for prosecution.
She said further that the collaboration would involve sensitization of Ad-hoc staff to be engaged by OYSIEC on the effects of corruption in the development of the nation.
Hon. Justice Eni, who expressed delight over the visit of OYSIEC, said the Agency will do its very best to ensure the success of the election.
Similarly, the Commandant, Nigerian Security Civil Defense Corps, Oyo State Command, Commandant, Augustine Padonu , has also revealed that maximum support will be given to the Electoral body of the state to have a credible and peaceful election in the state
He noted that the command will deploy massive personnel for the election and urged OYSIEC to assist the command with useful information.
He advised residents of the state and politicians to play the game according to the rules laid down OYSIEC .
Speaking during the visits, the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, said the need for the collaborations cannot be overemphasized.
Olagunju submitted that lack of confidence and voter apathy were some challenges confronting the States Electoral Umpires in the country.
He called for the support of the command in the area of security of lives and properties to have a massive turn-out on election day.
Olagunju expressed the desire of the current OYSIEC to have an election that will be free of intimidation and all forms of election malpractices.
“ It is a great pleasure to be here. Apathy and lack of confidence remain serious concerns when it comes to elections in the country.
” In 2021, there were allegations of election malpractice, so, we want OYACA officers to go around on election day, arrest anyone who is involved in election malpractices and report to the agency for prosecution.
‘ We desired to have democratically elected administrators at the grassroots, our target is to leave a legacy that subsequent members of OYSIEC will follow, so, we need your active support to succeed.
” One of the reasons for apathy is insecurity, we have visited nearly all the radio stations in the state and promised residents of the state a peaceful and transparent elections.
“ The Commission needs the presence of your officers and men so that our people can be sure that the election will be peaceful. Also , there won’t be godfathers on the 27th April, 2024 because everyone is equal before the law. Olagunju added.
