Less than two months to the 2023 elections, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has said it would be difficult to rig the polls because of the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS.
He spoke in his office on Friday, January 13, 2023, when he received in the audience the retiring resident electoral commissioner in the State, Rufus Akeju.
The Governor described the introduction of BVAS as a laudable development in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Akeredolu applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for deploying technology to strengthen the electoral process and reinforce confidence.
He noted that the introduction of technology has made rigging difficult, adding that it would ensure the All Progressives Congress, APC, will emerge victorious in every election.
According to Akeredolu: “I am happy that it’s getting more and more difficult for anybody to influence INEC to rig the election. I have been involved in so many elections, and I keep telling people, the election is difficult to rig.
“It has become more difficult now, because whether we like it or not, INEC has improved on its work over time, and I want to congratulate you and the chairman for the good work you are doing.”
Akeredolu commended the retiring REC because the State never recorded an inconclusive election during his time in the State.
Communal Clashes: Governor Akeredolu Threatens 2 Ondo Monarchs With Banishment
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, has threatened to banish the two monarchs in Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area over incessant communal clashes.
Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh have been at loggerheads over control of the town.
Three curfews have been imposed on the town within eight months.
Several properties have been destroyed and lives lost in clashes between their loyalists.
Last week, Governor Akeredolu imposed a 24-hour curfew on the town after another clash led to killings and destruction of houses and vehicles.
Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the Ondo commissioner for Information and Orientation, who spoke to journalists after the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2023, announced the decision of the Governor to banish the two monarchs if another clash occurs.
The Commissioner said that the State Government has relaxed the 24- hour curfew imposed on Ikare- Akoko, from 6pm to 6am.
She said the two Obas have been warned to comport themselves in line with the State Government decisions, adding that anything to the contrary might lead to their banishment.
Olateju said a five-member committee has also been set up to look into the crisis in Ikare and recommend resolution on the Okoja issue as well as the Oloko intercession.
“This press briefing is about the crisis in Ikare Akoko. The crisis in Ikare has resulted in stringent measures being taken by government. But in like manner, the curfew has been relaxed a little bit and it will be in effect from 6am to 6pm.
“The Council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale. The Council also decided to look into the history of Okoja which is the bone of contention between the two Obas.
“The Oloko intercession issue will also be looked into. From now on, the Council has resolved that no one should parade himself as the Olokoja of Okoja, either the one installed by Owo Ale or Olukare. All minor chiefs installed by the Olokojas should stop parading themselves as chiefs henceforth. Whoever does so will be arrested and will face consequences,” she said.
Members of the committee are Bashorun Sehinde as Chairman; Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba as member; Dr Tunji Abayomi as member; Mrs Oreoluwa Agbayewa member and Mr. Joseph Dele Adesanmi as Secretary.
Source: Daily Post
