IPAC Honors OYSIEC Boss, Power Minister, Others With Awards
Marks 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy in Nigeri
The Inter-Party Advisory Council ( IPAC) , Oyo State Chapter , has conferred an award of Icon of Democracy on the Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission ( OYSIEC ) , Mogaji Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN.
The award bestowed on Mogaji Olagunju on Monday at A Day Public Lecture organized by IPAC to mark 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria was in recognition of his contribution to Sustainance of Democracy and Political Participation .
Notable individuals also honored with different awards at the event, held at Onosode Hall, International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, were Minister of Power , Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Chairman, Ibadan North West Local Government , Hon. Abdulrahmon Adepoju, Hon .Chief Mrs. Adebukola Ajaja , Professor Akin Osun amongst others.
Speaking on the theme : ” Commemorating 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy In Nigeria and Special Awards of Recognition and Presentation to the Heroes of Democracy in Oyo State , the IPAC Chairman, Oyo State Chapter, Otunba Fagbemi Adegbenro ,expressed optimism that Nigerians would master the democratic process and correct associated abnormalities in due course .
He explained that disunity and rancor in the political circle were products of intra- party crisis, adding that concerted efforts have been made by IPAC to reduce Inter-Party conflicts particularly in Oyo state .
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, the OYSIEC Chairman, Mogaji Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN , appreciated the leadership of IPAC for the award . He lauded IPAC for their cooperation and supports accorded the Commission during the local government council elections conducted in the state, urging them not to relent in their activities .
Mogaji Olagunju submitted that Nigeria is on the path of attaining the desired status democratically, noting that commemorating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy as a Nation is worthy of celebration .
He admonished the political parties in the country to continue to play by the rules and ensure their primaries are done appropriately.
” Despite the imperfection, I think we need to glorify God for witnessing 25 Years of uninterrupted democracy, it has never happened before.
” Let’s be truthful, we are not where we desire democratically but what we are witnessing now is better than military rule . Anybody that has witnessed military regime, we never pray that they should come back ”
Delivering his paper at the event, Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Alabi , advocated for an environment that would promote free and fair election in the country.
He harped on the need for citizens of the country to put aside cultural and religious differences during the elections .
In his submission , the second Guest Speaker, Professor Lalude Goke of Political Science Department, Fountain University, Osogbo , explained that credible election could be achieved without electronic voting.
He called for appropriate sanctions for corrupted individuals and a system that will spell out roles of public office holders .