OSUN 2014: INEC Needs Cooperation Of Stakeholders For Credible Poll In Osun -REC

Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo after a meeting of representatives of political parties in the state with the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Akeju stated that the commission could not be blamed for the inconclusive elections recently held in some states in the country.
He said that INEC was ready for the governorship election holding in Osun State, adding that the commission would ensure that August 9 elections in the state is devoid of manipulation.
Asked if Osun poll would not be inconclusive like the ones in Anambra State and the National Assembly by-election in Ondo State, Akeju said: “Definitely not. We have looked at the causes of those ones. You know that INEC is just one element in election there are other stakeholders and if they play their roles well, such situation would not arise.
“As far as INEC is concerned we are ready for the election even if they want it tomorrow. What we are saying is that they should conduct themselves in peaceful manner. It is very important.”
Pleading with political parties and their supporters to respect the provisions of the Electoral Act and avoid making inflammatory statements, Akeju added that representatives of various political parties had signed undertaking to be of good conduct with the INEC.
He further averred that any individual caught violating the law would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Speaking earlier, the General Manager, NTA, Osogbo, Mrs. Shade Haastrup, advised politicians to shun violence and avoid making inciting statement, adding that the station would not take side with any political party.
She said that anyone who violated the guidelines for election broadcast would be cut off.
Chairman of the National Conscience Party, NCP, Mr. Gideon Fasorepo, also blamed some politicians for making unguarded statements, insisting that such could trigger crisis.
NATIONAL MIRROR