OGSIEC Emphasises Role Of Electoral Officers In LG Elections

Roles of electoral officers are crucial to the success of Local Government elections, hence the need for adequate training to enable them familiarise with the electoral process.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), Mr. Babatunde Osibodu stated this during a training session organised for Electoral and Assistant Electoral Officers in Abeokuta.

Osibodu said the training was significant and necessary for the success of the elections, noting that the officers would be exposed to both the theoretical and practical aspects of the training manual.

Represented by one of the Commissioners at the Commission, Mr. Tunji Akoni, the Chairman reiterated the importance of Electoral Officers to the coming elections, urging them to desist from any forms of bribery, intimidation and manipulations from political parties.

He hinted that training of Returning officers and other AdHoc staff would hold in the coming week across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

Presenting a paper titled ‘Electoral Security and Peace at the training, Deputy Corp Commander, DCC Amos Ajayi dealt extensively on crowd management, voter’s conflict resolutions, violence and emotional intelligence, stating that they are fundamental in dealing with different stakeholders on the day of elections.

In his remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Engr. Olabode Ojetola appreciated the resource personnel for their immense contributions, emphasising the fundamental roles of the trainees during and after the electoral process.

The training attendees’ Mrs. Rachael Idowu, Assistant Electoral Officer from Abeokuta South, Electoral Officers from Yewa North, Akinleye Olubori Yewa North and Mr. Talabi Adebayo from Ijebu North East commended OGSIEC for well organised sessions, saying the training was apt and needed for them to get acquainted with the electoral guidelines.

They noted that the training has broaden thier knowledge in the aspects of collation, announcements and declarations of results within the confines of the law, including relating with voters and other stakeholders on the field on election day.