Fayemi constitutes sensitization committee ahead of LG poll

Ahead of the December 7 local government election in Ekiti state, the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has constituted a committee for the sensitization of people across the 16 council areas.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Muyiwa Olumilua who spoke with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Monday noted that the committee was constituted in conjunction with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

The committee to be headed by the commissioner has government officials and NOA officials as members.

Olumilua who said the committee members were drawn from strategic sectors of the government, said the committee would sensitive the people on the need to participate actively during the poll and avoid all forms of violence.

He promised that the state government would provide level playing ground for all the political parties, saying people at the grassroots would be given the opportunity to elect their leaders.

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According to him, ” The committee is set up by the governor to sensitize and inform our people that it is democracy at play. They should ensure they participate and shun all forms of violence. No election worth the lives of any citizen of the state.

“We must have an election that is free and devoid of violence and those plotting to cause trouble will be dealt with.

“We are giving assurances that this election is going to be a clear departure from the past when the ruling party would have it all. We are saying that we will get a free and fair election that reflects the wishes of the people.

“This disillusionment that because the ruling party is in charge and that it will surely carry the day. I am not saying the ruling party if it is an acceptable and popular party won’t win or have an upper hand, but we are saying that it will be through a free and fair process.”

He disclosed that the committee would not be interfering with the activities of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) adding that their major assignment was to sensitize the people.

“If anybody wins, the state has no problem with that, but I don’t think a local government election worth the blood of any man.

“SIEC has its own responsibilities and they remain the umpire. We won’t dabble or interfere in their activities. All we want to do is to tell the people that no bloodshed and that election must be transparent, ” he said.