NAN-H-11
Election
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Jan. 26, 2018 (NAN) A group, Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI), has commended the strategic plan by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission(OSIEC) to conduct the local government election on Saturday.
The group’s National Coordinator, Mr Suberu Sulaimon, gave the commendation at a news conference on Friday in Osogbo.
Sulaimon said the commission was engaging stakeholders in every step of the process for the purpose of ensuring transparency and strict adherence to democratic principles in organising and conducting the elections.
“The systematic pattern of the process, coupled with the inherent openness, indicate clarity of purpose and consciousness for credible poll.
“Our organisation has been painstakingly following the trend of this exercise from the day OSIEC announced its 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,’’ Sulaimon said.
According to him, the commission has departed from “primordial conduct” of local government election in Nigeria, adding that its uncompromising position was meant to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
Sulaimon also said the governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, had been displaying rare courage and determination at introducing parliamentary system of governance at the third tier of government.
NAN reports that the local government election holding in the state on Saturday would be for ward councillors only who would in turn choose their council chairmen from among themselves.
The pattern of the election holding on Saturday runs contrary to the existing presidential system whereby both the councillors and chairmen are voted directly by the electorate.
“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,’’ Suleiman added. (NAN)
VE/OSA/OJO
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(Edited by Shittu Obassa/Mufutau Ojo)