– Seeks More Transparency From OSSIEC
As Osun State prepares for the February 22, 2025 local government election, a nongovernmental organisation, Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD), has called on residents of the state to participate actively in the ongoing campaigns.
The organisation also wants the public to scrutinise the councillorship and chairmanship candidates as well as their manifestoes so as to make informed choices in the election.
IICSD, which runs the Osun Open Local Government Project also tasked the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to be more transparent in its activities and adequately carry the people of the state along as it prepares for the polls.
It urged eligible voters in the state to ask pertinent questions and demand credible and equitable representation at the council areas from respective political parties participating in the election, as it is key to achieving their developmental yearnings and aspirations.
The statement reads in part, “We are in the threshold of another election to the most critical level of governance in our dear state. It is important to note that this election coming at a time when local governments have been granted financial autonomy is hugely important to our state.
“Therefore, it must not be toyed with. All hands must be on deck. We all have our roles to play. The people should be open to receiving candidates of political parties with enquiries on how they intend to serve the people.
“This is a time for serious work. In the last few weeks, political parties and their candidates have been campaigning vigorously. From our checks, this is unarguably since the 1999 election that a lot of hardwork has gone into campaigning for this local government election. It shows that our people have seen why it is important to have governance transit from local administration to the national level.
“IICSD has an important appeal. Whenever the parties and candidates come to campaign, the people should ask pertinent questions about their plans and all. More importantly, we call on community development associations and town unions to create platforms where candidates will be scrutinized and manifestoes examined for the development of both human and material resources.
“OSSIEC has a lot to do. Advocacies and partnerships with stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society organisations, should continue to increase so the people can get adequate information.
“As an organisation committed to achieving transparency and accountability at the local government level, we will continue to charge stakeholders to do what is expected of them. We will not relent in our efforts to engender good governance and all-round prosperity for our people. Let us all join hands to make the 2025 OsunLGElection a success,” the statement said.
Signed
Jare Tiamiyu
Executive Director
Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development
Sodiq Yusuf
Senior Communications Officer
Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development.