The Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju (SAN), has called for the deployment of career officers with some knowledge and experience in conducting elections to the electoral bodies, stating this will enhance the outcomes of elections in the country.

Olagunju made the call during the send-off organised in honour of the leadership of the OYSIEC by the management team of the commission.

The event, held at the OYSIEC’s headquarters in Ibadan, had in attendance Commission Members: Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Emmanuel Olanrewaju, Hon. Remi Ayoade, Mr. Sunday Falana, Dr. Afees Adeniyi, and Alhaja Ganiyat Saka.

Others present were the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Abisola Ogunmola, and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Olatunji Kikelomo, as well as the Director of Maintenance, Governor’s Office, Mr. Kehinde Ayodeji, among others.

Speaking further, Olagunju described the electoral body as a special institution that requires professionalism, special training, and specialisation to achieve its mandates continually.

He noted that the need to retain OYSIEC staffers with the commission for subsequent elections cannot be overemphasised.

Expressing gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for the privilege granted to him and his team to contribute to the development of Oyo State, the OYSIEC Chairman advised the staff of the commission not to relent in their pursuit of excellence in life.

His words, “We thank God for his grace enjoyed for five years we have been on board, we conducted two successful local government council elections consecutively without any problem.

“The commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde to the development of the state is commendable, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this process.

“Conducting a credible election demands the services of specialised personnel. There is a need for specialisation of careers for staff in OYSIEC. The frequent transfer or deployment of OYSIEC staffers to another ministry will be a significant loss to the commission.

“A staff of OYSIEC has special training and expertise on election management, which is wasted if transferred to another MDA.”

In their separate remarks, the commission members lauded Governor Makinde for finding them worthy to serve on the commission.

They urged the commission not to deviate from the path of good conduct and commitment to duties, and also to replicate this to those who will succeed the outgoing team to achieve the desired results.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of OYSIEC, Mrs. Abisola Ogunmola, attributed the success recorded by the commission to the mutual working relationship between the commission’s staff and its leadership.