Former gubernatorial aspirant and All Progressives Congress Chieftain in Oyo state, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, has hailed the Friday Supreme Court verdict that nullified the dissolution of elected council officials by Governor Seyi Makinde, describing it as a welcome development that will deepen democracy at the grassroots of the country.
Gov. ‘Seyi Makinde had announced the sacking of 33 LGA Chairmen and 35 LCD Councilors as soon as he officially became governor in 2018 due to their election not having been properly conducted under the outgoing governor, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Reacting to the Association of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON) victory at the Supreme Court, Dr. Ayandele issued a statement through his Personal Assistant (Media); Comrade Sola Adeleke urging the State Independent Election Commission to delay plans to conduct a fresh election on May 22, 2021 because of the latest development.
“The Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye-led ALGON and Oyo APC have demonstrated their commitment to peace and harmony in the state by shunning all temptations to square it up with the PDP administration in view of the fact that every action and pronouncement of Gov Seyi Makinde since the day he used fiat to sack the elected council officials had been confrontational, provocative and unbecoming.”
“Through the period which the struggle lasted, ALGON and its members as well as the entire Oyo APC did not exhibit any doubt in their collective belief in the Judiciary as being capable of shielding democracy from civilian tyrants and anti-democratic forces.
” The held firm to their confidence in the Court which has now ruled that Gov. Makinde’s action was undemocratic, uncivilized and contemptuous.”
“To this end, we call on the Isiaka Olagunju-led OYSIEC to exercise restraint in its plan to conduct a fresh local government poll scheduled for this month.
“Going ahead with the election would cast further doubt on the integrity of the Commission members who have been alleged to be working for the ruling party in the state.
“There is no reason for OYSIEC to rush into the planned poll without adjusting its timetable to accommodate all registered political parties and genuine interest.”
“Democracy at the local government council level must not be reduced to a comedy show and for our dear state to live up to expectations, we need to show the world that we can always do the right thing at the right time.
” An end must be put to unending litigation and manipulation which affect the growth and development of the local councils. OYSIEC needs to go back to the drawing board and avoid wasting the resources of the state on any kangaroo election in the state.” he said.
