Ondo CSO Kicks Against Calls For Removal Of INEC REC 

By Joseph Sunday 

Members of the Ondo State Civil Society Organizations, CSO’s have kicked against those calling for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ondo State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.

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The CSO’s made the call on Thursday, while addressing journalists at the International Culture and Event Centre, popularly known as The Dome, in Akure, the Ondo State Capital. 

According to the members of the Ondo State Civil Society Organizations, through its State Chairman, Comrade Franklin Oloniju, he pointed out that the body in Ondo State is compelled to brief the media in view of the happenings ahead of the 2024  Ondo State Governorship election 2024. 

They expressed concern about the activities of some political actors and leaders in the State, which are heating up the polity and creating uncertainty ahead of the 2024 Governorship election.

Adding, they stated how they are particularly worried about the ongoing mobilization against the person of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola. 

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They described the unnecessary attack on her as an attempt to preempt the outcome of the election, thereby disrupting the peaceful political atmosphere in the State, and instigate election violence, either during or after.

The CSO revealed that it became more worried especially when the call from the political actors have refused to cease even when the Electoral Management body has swiftly responded to the call for her removal by the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde through a clear and unambiguous press statement released specifically on Tuesday 15th October 2024.

Clarifying the claims of the political actors, the CSO’s in defending her said, “the State of origin of the REC has never been in doubt in the past. They described as shameful why some political actors intending to create chaos and tensions in Ondo State are attempting to use this negative and false narrative to achieve their devilish intentions. 

“The CSOs in Ondo State stand firmly against any attempts to intimidate the Resident Electoral Commissioner because of her gender. These same political parties participated in the Edo State Governorship election and never questioned or campaigned against a REC that was accused of being a member of a political party and a brother of a well-known politician in the country”.

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Making their submissions, the members of the Ondo State CSO’s, berated the political actors for attacking the Ondo REC because she is a woman.

They however vow to resist any attempt to instigate a gender-based violence and intimidation in the State against her.

The Civil Society Organizations thereby called on the Police to take extra measures to protect the REC Woman  and the entire State from the evil machinations of the unscrupulous elements. 

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