Ahead of the April 27 local government election, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has commenced training for the Ad-hoc Staff to work with the Commission.
The training slated for two days was held across the geo- political zones of the state to eliminate stress and aid understanding of concepts by participants.
OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, while addressing the Electoral and Assistant Electoral Officers, Ward Collation Officers, Returning Officers and Supervisors in Ibadan and Oyo town, called on the participants to see themselves as representatives of the people of the state and also place premium on their interest.
He described the trainees as partners in progress, admonishing them to ensure their conduct conform to the electoral guidelines of the commission.
He harped on the need for them to make Integrity and hard work their watch word while on duties, and eschew any form of misconduct.
Olagunju hinted that distribution of non-sensitive materials started today, while that of sensitive materials will begin on Thursday morning.
He assured residents of the state of prompt delivery of election materials on the day of election across the polling units in the state.
“I am impressed with the turn-out and your interest in the electoral process, you are our partners at the commission, and we require your support and commitment to achieve a free, fair, transparent and credible election.
“I am appealing to you to be part of this legacy, you are not representing any political party, you are representing the people of the state, let prosperity judge you and ensure you avoid misconduct.
“Distribution of sensitive materials will begin on Thursday; we will start with the local governments in Oke – Ogun Axis, while local governments in Ibadan are to receive last.
While speaking on the topic “Vital Keys To Conducting Free, and Fair Elections”, the facilitators of the training, Prince Adedoyin Oyeniyi and Dr. Omoleke Muslim, charged participants to be alive with their responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the success of the forthcoming elections.
Prince Oyeniyi explained that every electoral process must pass through integrity tests of transparency, credibility and fairness for people of various communities to live the kind of lives they aspired to.
Training for the Presiding and Assistant Presiding officers will be held on Tuesday in twelve centers across the state.
