The Kwara State Government has charged the State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) to adhere strictly to the rules of conducting free, fair, credible and generally accepted local government elections in the state.
The immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdulkadir Aliyu Mahe, who gave the charge while declaring open a 2-day retreat for the staff of the commission, stressed the need for the electoral body to live above board in creating a level playing field for all political parties in the coming poll.
The former SSG, who is now the Chief of Staff to the Governor, assured that the state government will provide the necessary tools to aid the conduct of the local government election, advising the state election umpire to carry all stakeholders along.
According to him, “The task before is an assignment that should be taken seriously. You should carry everyone along. Listen to all comments, be properly informed and handle the assignment with dedication.
“The government will provide you with all necessary tools that will assist you in conducting free, fair and credible election,” he added.
On his part, chairman of the commission, Mallam Okanla Baba, explained that the purpose of the retreat was to get the staff of the commission acquainted with critical factors that would aid a credible election.
He also spoke of the commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair, credible and generally accepted local government elections in the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner in-charge of Media and Publicity, Eng H. T. Salami, informed that the retreat was organised by the electoral body in collaboration with the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to get participants informed about the process of conducting generally acceptable polls.
Engr Salami further assured members of the public that the commission is committed to ensuring a level playing field for all, stressing that the commission, as an unbiased umpire, would not discriminate against anyone.
The resource persons at the retreat, Prof Hassan Salihu and others, took participants through rudiments that would aid credible and generally acceptable elections.
