By Michael Ofulue.  Osogbo

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In preparation for the forthcoming local government election in Osun State, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has been advised to intensify its sensitization campaign to educate residents about electoral laws and processes

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun State, Mr. Hafiz Hassan, gave the advice in Osogbo during his courtesy visit to OSSIEC

The state ICPC boss, who noted that people needed to be guided on how to conduct themselves during and after the polls, maintained that part of OSSIEC’s mandate is to prevent the buying and selling of votes to strengthen people’s confidence in the Commission.

Hassan urged adequate collaboration and a smooth working relationship between both commissions, especially in the area of public sensitization, explaining that the ICPC is also responsible for enlightening the public, particularly on corrupt practices and matters relating to electoral processes.

While encouraging the electoral umpire to give staff of the Commission the needed training that will enhance their effectiveness and efficiency during the forthcoming election, he assured that his agency will be readily available to provide necessary assistance when and where needed.

In his response, the Chairman of the OSSIEC, Hashim Abioye, thanked the ICPC team for the visit, describing them as unique in terms of decency, prevention of corruption, and public enlightenment.

While assuring that there is no cause for alarm, he stressed that OSSIEC will not renege on its obligation to conduct free, fair, and credible local government elections in the state.

Abioye used the occasion to highlight some of the activities already embarked upon by the Commission, which include campaigns against cybercrime, cultism, and drug abuse, and the creation of a Local Government Electoral and Democratic Institute in the state, among others.

He also mentioned that the Commission will soon start visiting public schools as well as higher institutions of learning for campaigns, believing that such efforts will reduce electoral violence and other related vices in the state.