The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), has declared that it will not make use of card readers during the forthcoming February 11 Local Government election in the state.
The commission also said with the assistance of the security agents, it will restrict human and vehicular movement during the election period.
Chairman of the commission, Mr. Jide Ajekigbe made these disclosure on Thursday while briefing journalists at the commission’s headquarters on the amended timetable of the election and the preparation of the commission for the election.
Ajekigbe while answering questions from journalists informed that the local government law has not yet recognized the use of card readers, hence, the commission will not make use of it to avoid unnecessary problems.
He said the commission was ready to conduct free and fair election in 4783 polling booths and 5620 polling points in all the 33 LGs and 35 LCDAs in the state.
He said, “We are not using card readers for the election. The usage of card readers will not be tolerated, so we are not using card readers. Even the local government law does not permit the usage of card readers.
“We want to avoid unnecessary problems and questions during the election. I don’t want a situation where someone will be mentioning my name, saying his or her fingers were not captured and all that.
“On the day of election, there will be restriction of movement for that day, we want our people to stay indoors and come and vote during the election hours.”
Ajekigbe said despite the economic challenges in the country, the commission is confident that it will conduct the election without any financial challenges.
“However, it is important to stress that Oyo State as a member of the Nigerian Community cannot be insulated from the adverse consequences of the Global Economic Crisis. We, therefore, wish to assure all stakeholders and citizens that these situations will not in any way affect the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
” The commission has been taking necessary steps towards a successful and credible election. We have met with the leaders of the political parties, non-governmental organizations like National Orientation Agency and State Security Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“The commission has also gone round the thirty-three (33) Local Government Areas and thirty-five (35) Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to inspect Oyo State Independent electoral Commission offices and ascertain their level of preparedness towardS ensuring a free, fair and credible poll.”
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