Osun LG Election: Observer Group Lauds OSIEC On Strategic Planning, Parliamentary System.

As the Local Government election in Osun holds on Saturday, January 27, 2018, an observer group,  Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI) has commended the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission(OSIEC) for what it termed as ” strategic planning adopted by the commission “.

This was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo,  the Osun State capital  by the National Coordinator of the group,  Mr Suberu Sulaimon.

Sulaimon averred that the constant engagement of critical stakeholders by the commission in every step of the process gives credence to the transparency of the exercise and strict adherence to democratic principles. 

He eulogised the Chairman of the commission,  Mr Segun Oladitan for his stringent stance on democratic ethos and electoral norm in line with global best practice. 

In his words,  the state electoral umpire has set a pace for total departure from primordial conduct of local government election in Nigeria, with his uncompromising position on matters of electoral sanctity.

Sulaimon explained that the systematic pattern of the process, coupled with the inherent openess indicate clarity of purpose and consciousness for credible poll without blemish. 

The Peace Advocate specifically lauded the prompt and vigilant manner in which electoral materials were being distributed within the local governments since Thursday and profound synergy between the commission and  security agencies. 

“Our organisation has been painstakingly following the trend of this exercise from the day OSIEC announced it’s intention to conduct local government election in the state. 

“Our experience in advocacy for democratisation and non-violent culture in Africa gives us the requisite acumen to objectively analyse political issues,  especially within the contest of democratic ingredients like election.

“Obviously,  we are convinced about the capacity and sincerity of OSIEC to conduct credible local government election in Osun,  going by the  pragmatic and strategic way it has planned the process.

“The prompt and vigilant method of distributing electoral materials to different wards in the local governments unequivocally speak volume of the seriousness and transparency of the exercise, I think the commission has hit the ground running with so much energy,” Sulaimon said. 

Meanwhile, the group has commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his rare courage and determination to change the “obsolete and old political order” by introducing parliamentary system at the grassroots. 

“This is a rare display of courage and exceptional brilliance,  the governor has shown to many that there are still people from the political class that are clear-headed and proactive in thinking.

“It is obvious that multi-party presidential system of government is totally inimical to the survival and progress of Africa; it is wasteful as it is cumbersome and crude. 

“Parliamentary system of government remains the best for  Africa, considering the limited resources and democratic experience and exposure. Obviously, the governor has just added a feather to his political cap”.