The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), says all is set for the conduct of Saturday Local Government Elections across the 20 councils in the State.
The Chairman of OGSIEC, Mr Babatunde Osibodu, stated this in an interview in Abeokuta on Friday. Osibodu urged the electorate to go out en-mass to perform their civic responsibilities.
He noted that electoral materials were already being transported to the appropriate local governments for effective distribution.
A visit to the commission’s office in Abeokuta revealed that transport operators and security agents needed for the distribution of sensitive materials were already on ground.
Electoral Officers from the local governments were also seen at the commission’s office ready to collect the materials for a smooth exercise on Saturday.
OGSIEC had earlier solicited the support of stakeholders including the media at a parley where it reiterated determination to conduct credible elections.
LG elections: Ogun police warn against violence
The Police Command in Ogun has warned anyone with intention of disrupting the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s local government elections to desist or face the wrath of law.
SP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s spokesperson said this in a statement in Abeokuta on Friday. She said that the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu , had put in place security strategies to ensure law and order during the election process.
Odutola said that the police would ensure safety of voters and electoral materials. She urged members of the public to cooperate with the process and avoid interference or taking laws into their hands.
The spokesperson called on politicians and electorates to refrain from acts inimical to election laws such as snatching of ballot boxes, election violence and utterance capable of inciting violence.
”Restriction has been placed between 6:00a.m and 3:00p.m within the state to ensure a seamless voting process. Movement has been initiated to control commercial transporters of all sorts to comply with the process.
”Flash points have been manned by police mobile force, tactical teams and intervention squad as well as plain clothes detectives.
”These operatives have been adequately equipped to clamp down on troublemakers and anyone or groups with nefarious intent to cause mayhem will be arrested and prosecuted,” she said.