Kwara LG Elections: Electoral body charged to uphold rules of elections

The administration of Kwara State has given the State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) the responsibility of ensuring that local government elections in the state are conducted in a manner that is free, fair, credible, and widely recognized by the public.

Alhaji Abdulkadir Aliyu Mahe, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, gave the charge while declaring open a two-day retreat for the staff of the commission.

He emphasized the necessity for the electoral body to live above board in order to create a level playing field for all political parties in the upcoming election.

The retreat for the staff of the commission was opened by Mahe.

A former Senior Security Guard who is now the Chief of Staff to the Governor has given his assurance that the state government will offer the required equipment to assist in the conduct of the local government election. He also gave the state election umpire the advice to bring all stakeholders along with them.

His words were, “The duty that is before you is an assignment that should be treated seriously. You need to bring everyone else along with you. Pay attention to all of the feedback, ensure that you are well informed, and approach the task with commitment.

“The government will provide you with all the necessary tools that will assist you in conducting free, fair, and credible election,” he continued.

Mallam Okanla Baba, the chairman of the commission, stated that the goal of the retreat was to familiarize the staff of the commission with essential issues that would aid in the conduct of credible elections.

He also addressed the readiness of the commission to hold local government elections in the state that are free, fair, credible, and universally acknowledged by the public.

Also speaking was the Commissioner in charge of Media and Publicity, Eng H. T. Salami, who informed the audience that the retreat had been organized by the electoral body in collaboration with the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to educate participants on the process of conducting polls that are generally acceptable.

Engr Salami went on to reassure members of the general public that the commission is dedicated to providing a level playing field for everyone. He emphasized that the commission, in its role as an impartial umpire, would not discriminate against anyone.

The attendees were led through the fundamentals of conducting legitimate and generally acceptable elections by the resource individuals at the retreat, including Professor Hassan Salihu and others.