Ondo assembly calls on INEC to extend governorship election date

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assembly presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Fatai Olotu, unanimously voted in favour of the extension of the election date.

Olotu said the extension would not have any adverse effect or offend any electoral law.

“It’s necessary that all the pending matters in court concerning all political parties participating in the election be resolved.

“The outstanding court cases have generated a lot of security threats to the extent that tension is now palpable in the city.

“Elections are meant to be free and fair, and conducted in an atmosphere devoid of tension,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Olusiji Akindiose representing Ondo East moved the motion on the need to extend the date for the governorship election in Ondo State.

He said that INEC and the highest authorities had to listen and see the danger in the fact that the election shouldn’t be rushed.

“It must be done with feelings that people are safe and the assurance that votes will count.

“Out of 28 political parties participating in the election, 20 are agitating for an extension, which I don’t think is too much,” he said.

The Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Ese-Odo constituency, Mr Vincent Obadiah, seconded the motion.

Similarly, the assembly confirmed and ratified three persons as members of the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission.

They are Messrs Yekini Olanipekun, Henry Akinsuroju and Afolabi Akinsiku.

The three persons were former members of the assemby.

Earlier, Bode Adeyelu read the message from Gov. Olusegun Mimiko requesting for the confirmation of the appointments.

Obadiah, who is the chairman of the assembly committee on selection, submitted the report of the screening and said the three persons were qualified for the post.

Responding on behalf of other members, Olanipekun promised to justify the confidence reposed in the members to perform their jobs diligently.