Date: 2013-05-24

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has charged the new leadership of the State Independent Electoral Commission to ensure that the forthcoming local government elections in the state are free and fair.
The governor gave the charge yesterday when he swore in the Chairman and four newly appointed commissioners of the commission  at Government House, Ilorin, the state capital.
Governor Ahmed who described local government election as critical because of the tier of government's closeness to the grassroots, also called for the strengthening of the electoral process in order to make governance more meaningful to Nigerians.
Governor Ahmed noted that credible elections were critical to good governance, especially at the local government level where it could impact on the people and sustain confidence in democratic governance.
He said this was the reason why his administration was working out modalities to make local government administration more result-oriented.
"My administration will soon outline modalities for greater synergy with the local government councils to ensure that impactful socio-economic projects are implemented at the grassroots level on an efficient and effective basis", he said.
The governor stressed that political office holders must always fulfill their covenant to the electorate by making the lives of the people better.
Governor Ahmed charged members of KWASIEC to allow their individual experiences bear positively in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections by making equity, transparency and accountability their watchwords.
Ahmed pledged that his administration would always render logistic and other support that would make the commission work efficiently.
"I, therefore, enjoin you to utilise your sterling qualities and experiences to add value to the activities of the Commission, especially through the conduct of free, fair and credible elections".
"As you all know, public office is public trust. It is therefore incumbent on you to make equity, transparency and accountability your watchwords.
"You must follow due process in all you do so that the state will record free, fair, and credible elections at the local government level.
"I assure you of logistic and other support necessary for your operations at all times", the governor added.
Speaking on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the KWASIEC, Dr Uthman Ajidagba, pledged that the commission would deliver on its mandate of conducting free, fair and credible elections.
Other members of the commission are Barr. Adbulsalam Tejidini Ahmed, Barr. Azeez Akinlani, Barr. AbdulRauf Ishola Ajao and Alhaji Ishola Ajibade.