Governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tuesday says “it is possible for other political parties to win any of the council areas in the state in the coming local government election”, adding that members of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) should conduct a free, fair and credible election.
Akeredolu was speaking in Akure when he administered oath of office on the newly appointed members of ODIEC.
“It is possible for us to have the leadership of a local government belong to a different political party in the state. Our political experiences make the possibility appear remote in this clime. It is attainable if we are committed and sincere,” the governor said.
According to him, free fair and credible local government election will help deepen our current democratic experiment.
Akeredolu said having elected servants of the people at local government level will make governance seamless and improve the living conditions of the people.
He said, “The local government is guaranteed in section 7 of the 1999 constitution (as amended). It is expected to discharge its mandate to the people in the areas of primary education, health care, recreation and social development.
“Markets, parks and other public recreational facilities are within the jurisdiction of the Local Government.
“The scope of administration at this level covers issues which affect the immediate welfare of the majority of the people. There is no gain asserting the obvious that local government plays pivotal roles in the development of the country.”
The new ODIEC members are Prof Yomi Dinakin who will serve as chairman, Dr. Soji Omowole, Oladele Akinyelure Esq, Tunde Adeleye, Mrs Stella Omotoso, Taju Ibrahim and Rotimi Olorunfemi.
THE PRECISION recalled that the state governor had promised to conduct election into the 18 council areas of the state during his budget presentation last year and the provisions had since been approved by the state House of Assembly.
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