By Jubril Bada
|
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has charged women   to work towards the conduct of free and fair elections in the state.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr. Rufus Akeju, gave the charge at a town hall meeting with Women Groups and Gender Focused Civil Society Organisations in the state.

Represented by the Acting Administrative Secretary of the commission, Alhaji Waheed Ganiyu, the commissioner advised women  to contribute  to  improving the conduct of elections and disseminating  information  to the public in  the forthcoming general elections.

He said that the women groups and the organisations are important stakeholders in the electoral process, noting  that their roles in advancing the conduct of free and fair elections cannot be over emphasized.

Addressing the gathering, the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the state, Mr. Bode Famose expressed hope in INEC to deliver credible election.

He reiterated that women are important stakeholder in an election and decision process towards ensuring free fair and acceptable elections.

Famose, who described women as builder of future generation that must be carried along to educate others, urged them to participate actively in politics and election processes  for the country to be better.

The DG implored women on the need to equip themselves with necessary knowledge for the development of the country and disseminate information gathered for the benefit of others.

Delivering their speeches , the Deputy Director, Women Affairs and Social Development and the Chairman, National Council of Women Societies in the state, Mrs. Odusola Oluseyi and Mrs Jumoke Aborode respectively told women on the need to educate and prevent their children from being used as political thugs before, during and after elections.

Also, the Head of Unit, Gender and Civil Society Organisation of INEC in the state, Mrs. Bolatito Alo, said that the commission is committed to provide  level playing field for all stakeholders in the delivery of credible polls.

She added that the commission recognises electorate including men, women, youth and People living With Disabilities and is doing everything within its mandate to ensure the participation of  all in the coming  elections.