GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke has affirmed that the local government election scheduled for tomorrow is holding unfailingly under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
The governor made the assertion this morning while receiving a delegation of civil society coalition who are in the state to monitor the local government elections.
According to the governor, Osun voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday even as he expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the electoral body.
“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.
“OSIEC has also done a marvellous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses”, the governor told the visiting activists.
On the controversy over the election, the governor asserted that democracy is governed by the rule of law and that nobody can assume the authority of the courts.
“My advice to all parties including local and national stakeholders is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.
“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state”, Governor Adeleke noted.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that in the wake of the violence which erupted following an attempt by sacked local government chairmen and councillors who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi Thursday appealed to Governor Adeleke to direct the state electoral commission to put the forthcoming 22 February council elections on hold.
In a statement, Fagbemi said the elected LGA chairpersons must be reinstated since the Court of Appeal had dismissed the judgment of the lower court that sacked them.
“I will appeal to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke, to toe the path of law in this matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in Osun State. Nobody benefits from violence,” AGF said.
“It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advise the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to shelve the idea of proceeding with any Local Government Election now.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media