Only Current Democratic Experiment Can Be Deepened Through Free, Fair, Credible LG Election-Akeredolu

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has declared his administration’s commitment to bringing democratic governance to the mass people at the grassroot by putting in place elected representatives at the local government level.

Akeredolu therefore pointed that the only means through which the current democratic experiment can be deepened is through free , fair and credible local government election.

The governor made the declaration while inaugurating members of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) and the Board of the Ondo State Property Development Corporation (OSPDC) at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure.

He said “having elected servants of the people at local government level will make governance seamless and improve the living conditions of the people.

Akeredolu charged members of the ODIEC to ensure that the next round of elections to be conducted in the 18 local government Areas of the state is free, fair and credible.

His words, “It is possible for us to have the leadership of a local Government belong to a different political party from the of the state. Our political experiences make the possibility appear remote in this clime. It is attainable if we are committed and sincere.

“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 in the development of the country”.

The Governor also charged the newly inaugurated members of the Ondo State Property Development Corporation to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state, adding that it is time to justify the trust reposed in them by the people and government of the state.

It would be recalled that the Governor nominated Prof. Yomi Dinakin as Chairman ODIEC with other members: Dr. Soji Omowole, Oladele Akinyelure Esq, Tunde Adeleye, Mrs Stella Omotoso, Taju Ibrahim and Rotimi Olorunfemi and they were cleared last week by the state house of Assembly.