The Chairman of the National Committee on Local Government Congress of the All Progressives Congress in Osun (APC), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, on Friday disclosed the determination of the Committee to conduct a hitch-free, fair, free, credible and acceptable congress across the local government areas of the State.
He said the Committee was resolute to extend the hands of cooperation and support to all members as part of efforts to strengthen internal democracy and promote the spirit and principles of all inclusiveness and participatory democratic process.
The Committee which was set up by the National Extra Ordinary Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was tasked to supervise and oversee the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the State.
This is even as the Governor reassured residents, particularly the party loyalists of adequate security before, during and after the Congress.
Addressing the people during the stakeholders’ meeting held at the Party’s Secretariat, Osogbo, Elegbeleye disclosed that the Committee had been equipped with necessary facilities and electoral materials to ensure peaceful conduct in all the 30 Local Government Areas and Ife-East Area Office.
He assured the party’s leaders and members of equitable treatment just as he sought for maximum cooperation throughout the process.
Elegbeleye noted that the Committee would do everything possible to ensure that the results of the Congress are announced on or before Sunday.
“We are here again to ensure peaceful conduct. I can assure you all that the entire process will be peaceful as it was the last time.
“There is no doubt that Osun is known for peace. Osun is a State of Omoluabi and we are going to reflect this in all we do. We are here to supervise the conduct and I can assure you that we will put in our best to ensure free, fair, credible and acceptable Congress across the Councils.
“We will supervise the election and hopefully, we are going to get results tomorrow or latest Sunday,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said Goverment has put in place adequate security measures to ensure peaceful conduct.
Oyetola appealed to members of the party to cooperate with the members of the Committee to ensure a free, fair, credible and acceptable Congress.
“It is quite an interesting thing. First of all, we thank God for having a successful Ward Congress. The party is united and I must commend the leadership of the party and everyone that has contributed to this success.
“Congress anywhere is to elect leadership of the party. Osun is known for peace and we are going to maintain this throughout the Congress and after. We have provided adequate security.
“Congress should not be a battle thing. We have adopted consensus. We have confidence in the members of the committee to ensure peaceful conduct.
“So, let’s avoid violence. Let’s have peaceful Congress to elect new leaders of our party at the Local Government level tomorrow. My advice for those that might not have the opportunity to be returned is that there are several positions and opportunities. I don’t want you to be deterred but rather to remain resolute for the success and progress of our party.
“As we all know, the most important thing is to remain committed and be a very loyal party man. I am very happy for this peaceful atmosphere. We thank God for being with us.
“Please, let’s go to our respective local governments tomorrow to perform the exercise. It is my hope that it will be peaceful as it used to be,” Oyetola added.
In their separate remarks, Senate Spokesman, Senator Ajibola Bashir; Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye; Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Patricia Etteh and Acting APC State Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, assured of the party’s readiness to ensure peaceful conduct.
