TRANSPARENCY WILL BE OUR WATCHWORD- OGSIEC CHAIRMAN

Chairman, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), Mr. Babatunde Osibodu has reiterated that transparency would be the watchword of the Commission, as it will ensure that no party is favoured against another in the electoral process.

Speaking while felding questions from the Press in Abeokuta, the state capital, Osibodu equally  assured the people of the state that the election timetable will be reeled out soon, noting that, "when the timetable is out, it is then political parties can come out to register and the Commission can then determine how many parties we have in ogun state".

He said insecurity has been  the major challege associated with elections, saying OGSIEC would be working closely With traditional leaders and other local opinion formers to sensitise the people to eschew every act capable of obstructing the peace of the state , while all security agencies would be involved in eliminating violence before, during and after the election.

"A lot has to be put in place to ensure sufficient public awareness. We will be putting in place Information Technology infrastructure for data base and communication. We shall  also be working very closely with traditional rulers to make our people know that election is not a do or die affair, if you don't win today, there is always another time, just wait for another four years", the Chairman stated.

In another development, a Commissioner at the Commission, Mr. Olatunji Akoni has emphasised the need for the creation of the Information Technology department to ensure a proper data base for storage and retrieving of vital Information, saying, "ICT is the driving force for development".

The Commissioner stated this during a meeting with representatives of the Ogun State Bureau of ICT, led by Mr. Ayomikun Akinbode at the Commission's Conference Room in Abeokuta, saying, "due to the sensitivity of the Commission, there is need for offices to be well equipped with modern Information Technology gadgets that will guarantee OGSIEC of the 24th Century".

He revealed that there would be training for the  executives and management staff on e-governance, as well as electronic management system, while other members of staff will equally be trained on the use of computer, "as everybody must be on board".