Osun Bye-election: Senate tasks INEC on free, fair election

The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, to employ their best methods to make the Osun State Senatorial by-election credible. Senator Duro Faseyi (Ekiti South), had raised a point of order, following series of allegations, counter allegations and verbal attacks, which he stated, was to manipulate the outcome of the election and the consequent tension, adding that, it might generate the imminent breakdown of law and order. “We recall the demise of Isiaka Adeleke on 23rd April 2017, created a vacuum in the Senate as the people of Osun West senatorial district were left without representation and we also note that, INEC in line with 2010 Electoral Act and other extant laws, INEC has fixed the bye-election for 8th July 2017. “However, with dismay, the Senate is aware that Osun West indigenes are dexterous of a free and fair bye-election where their votes will count”, Faseyi said. The Senate accordingly resolved that; “INEC should ensure that equity, fairness and transparency are the hallmark of the forthcoming senatorial bye-election in Osun state, and we call on the indigenes of the senatorial district to come out to exercise their right to vote. “All voters, leaders, stakeholders in the electoral process should not engage in any electoral violence, so as not to incur the wrath in the Electoral Act and extant law. “INEC and the Nigerian police, DSS, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and all relevant corps agencies to ensure transparency and any offender be apprehended and prosecuted”. The deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, in his contribution, appealed to all, to use the medium to pay homage and respect to the deceased, while urging INEC to use the opportunity to convince Nigerians that they are ready for 2019 elections. “The late Senator Adeleke was a man of peace, the best we can do to respect him, is to ensure an election to secure his replacement that is devoid of violence. This is one election that INEC needs to make a statement on the independence of the Nigerians. “We also want to appeal to the people of that senatorial district in a most reasonable manner so that whoever emerges will be a product of a very good election.”

#INEC #senate