The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, or OSSIEC, has revealed its intention to hire more than 8,000 temporary employees in advance of the local government elections that are scheduled for February 22, 2025.
The commission is taking this action as part of its efforts to guarantee smooth elections throughout the state.
Olujimi Asagade, the chairman of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, accompanied members of the committee to Osogbo on Thursday, when OSSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye spoke.
He emphasized that the final preparations were being made for the elections.
He reassured interested parties that the commission was prepared to hold respectable and open elections.
While restating the Commission’s independence, he pointed out that there was no outside intervention, especially from the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the state’s executive branch.
Additionally, he reaffirmed his resolve to remain unbiased during the election process.
He declared, “I can assure you that we are completely ready for the elections. We are using technology to hire temporary workers in order to make the system more effective.
Our premises would have been packed with people if we hadn’t taken that action. For the elections, more than 8,000 ad hoc employees will be required.
The Commission’s facilities have been upgraded, according to Abioye, who also mentioned that a functional portal had been set up for hiring and other preparation tasks.
Even though the election process won’t be entirely electronic, the commission has put equipment in place to keep an eye on things at polling places.
The facility we have on site enables us to keep an eye on events in each polling station, but the results won’t be sent electronically. “We can do that with our digital equipment,” he continued.
Abioye reiterated the independence of OSSIEC, saying: “I can assure you that Governor Ademola Adeleke is not meddling with our responsibilities. As part of our efforts to foster trust, we are also collaborating with the Inter-Party Advisory Council.
Read Also: I used to dress dead bodies – Patience Ozokwor
“Thanks to the House, we have a good law to work with. The Osun local government election law has been a model for other states.
Asagade responded by thanking the OSSIEC Chairman for providing a solid basis for the commission and assuring him that the Assembly would be ready to assist the body in holding an election that would be acceptable to all parties.
