As Nigeria is moving towards conducting another election for transition of civilian to civilian administration and the newly Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador (Dr) Rufus Akeju has vowed to build the confidence of the larger society in the operational process of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in order to have credible and acceptable election in Osun State.

Addressing a press conference yesterday to express the commission’s readiness to involve all important stakeholders in the electoral process to pave way for free, fair and undisputed election results Dr. Akeju emphasized that he would be fair to all the participating political parties before, during and after the elections in the state.

According to him “this is a new improved INEC and this is time to make a change in this country and certainly Osun State will witness a change in all ramifications.

Dr. Akeju who solicited all stakeholders supports for successful conduct of the compilation of a fresh list of voters, also called on all political parties to cooperate with INEC in an efforts to give a “fair account” of the details of commission activities.

The resident electoral commissioner also sought for understanding in the area of voter education, grassroots sensitization and mobilization.  

Dr. Akeju equally noted that the commission is determined to deliver credible elections while all that is necessary to achieve the objective will not be spared.

He however stressed that he would embark on familiarization visits to the field locations so  as to educate all the stakeholders on the need to have a change of attitude to pave way for credible elections come 2011.

  ALSO FROM SEFIU AYANBIMPE, OSOGBO

 GROUP COMMISERATES OYINLOLA ON ATAOJA'S DEATH

The group under the aegis of Omisore Youth Vanguard (OYV) has commiserated with the Executive Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, government and entire people of the state on the recent death of prominent and frontline traditional ruler, late Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi 111.

According to the statement signed by the group's Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ekundayo Olatunde the death of the monarch at this period transition of civilian to civilian   government was a colossal loss to the country.

"The death of Oba Oyewale Matanmi 111 has created the great vacuum that would be very difficult for anybody to fill"

The group prays for the repose of the soul of first class monarch and has peace eternal rest with the almighty God.Also, prays for the families, entire indigene of osogbo, people of the state fortitude to bear the loss and God to be looking after  them.

In another development, the group has strongly condemned the recent attack at different gathering against the associates of Otunba Iyiola Omisore who is gubernatorial hopeful in the state in some part of ijesa land by suspected political thugs used by opposition.

The group said "We are of the opinion that this barbaric act is uncalled for at this present level of civilization and current attain standard of democracy in Nigeria and that of osun state in particular. Because experiences have shown that power of choice and mandate to rule lies solely on the people".

They urged the opposition in the state to give respect for the wishes of the people, rule of law and abide by the democracy guiding principle which says government of the people should be by the people and also urged the youth in the state not to allow them