The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) has announced its plans to embark on sensitization tours across the sixteen local government areas of the state, commencing this week. This initiative aims to engage various stakeholders in town hall meetings, consultations, and different sensitization programs.

Recall the chairman of the Commission, Okanla Baba, stated in a release over the weekend that the tours are designed to foster dialogue and understanding among the populace regarding the forthcoming local government elections. The commission intends to involve residents, community leaders, political parties, and other relevant stakeholders in the process.

This announcement comes on the heels of growing anticipation for the restoration of democratically elected council leaders in Kwara State.

Notably, Comrade Salahudeen A Lukman Eluku Omo Adugbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate for Ojomu Balogun Constituency in the 2023 general election in Kwara State, commended Governor AbdulRasak Abdulrahman for his positive response to public opinion.

In his statement released on Tuesday, March 5, Comr Salahudeen emphasized the importance of timely electoral processes and the need for genuine democratic practices. He praised the government's decision to initiate the sensitization tours and urged authorities to ensure the fulfillment of promises made to the public.

He said the upcoming tours signify a proactive approach by KWSIEC to engage the citizenry and build consensus ahead of the local government elections. With heightened expectations for transparent and credible electoral processes, stakeholders anticipate meaningful participation and accountability in the governance of local communities.

HIS FULL STATEMENT IS REPRODUCED BELOW

Kwara Local Government Tour: It's better late than never.

Thank you, Gov. AbdulRasak Abdulrahman, for the prompt and positive response to popular opinion for the first time.

As a progressive-minded Kwaran and an unapologetic Democrat and member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, it's duty-bound to commend His Excellency Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasak for his perceptive change of attitude and partial expression of readiness to give Kwara people democratically elected council leaders after over half a decade of illegal imposition of Transition Implementation Committee on Kwarans across the 16 LGs.

We have watched the Abdulrahman-led administration manipulate our local government system, including an unpatriotic, selfish, and politically mischievous amendment of the local Government election law by the state assembly, extending a process that ought to be three months to twelve months.

This singular political miscarriage acts as a peg, branding Kwara state as the only state with such an aberration called the new LG amended act.

While it took years to appoint KWSIEC, it took years to conclude the fraudulent amendment; it's as if it will also take another year to commence the election process by KWSIEC, who promised to commence activities by February 2024 immediately after the signing into law the amendment but failed.

Just to keep the government on their toes, I made a statement on 1st March 2024, reminding the KWSIEC and Gov Abdulrahman of another promised canceled, and to the glory of God, the KWSIEC announced the commencement of activities starting with LG sensitization tours by this month.

As a young concerned Kwara with an open mind, I deem it necessary to appreciate Gov Abdulrahman Abdulrasak and KWSIEC for this timely response to citizens' demand.

The effects of having elected local government councils can't be overemphasized. Apart from giving relief to the state government, it will help in the implementation of programs and policies in a coordinated manner, with an increase in FAAC sharing to state and LG. The best time to ensure functional LG is now, by any responsible government that has people at heart.

This positive response to outcry will earn the government citizen confidence, including opposition figures. It will motivate us to unveil ideas and recommendations through reactions to development once we are certain of a positive response and objective view from the government cycle.

Once again, I commend Mr. Governor and KWSIEC for this prompt response while urging them to ensure it comes to reality as announced this time, not an audio promise or plan like we used to have in the past.

Indeed, it's better late than never; prompt and positive response is a good omen.

Signed Hon. Comr Salahudeen A Lukman Eluku Omo Adugbo