Olanrewaju decries alleged marginalisation of indigenes
Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has introduced measures aimed at deterring breaches of integrity. They include a N2 million fine or two years imprisonment for any official found wanting.
The measures were introduced as the state prepares its officers for the June 12, 2025 Local Government and Local Council Development Area elections. Speaking during the three-day retreat for electoral and assistant electoral officers,the Chairman of LASIEC, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, emphasised the importance of integrity, fairness and professionalism. She underscored the significance of the retreat, describing it as more than just a training programme. She stressed that continuous training was vital for LASIEC staff to remain abreast of modern election administration realities.
The chairman urged the officers to reciprocate the Commission’s investment in their training by redoubling their efforts and commitment. Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Petitions, Human Rights, and LASIEC, Oladipo Olayinka Ajomale, encouraged the officers to embrace a strong sense of responsibility, highlighting that as Lagosians, they were expected to deliver a transparent and credible election.
Addressing concerns about the lack of transparency and public confidence, Ajomale emphasised that the electoral commission was working very hard, tirelessly to ensure the electorate was fully carried along. Add to LASIEC Charges Electoral Officers on Integrity, Fairness Ahead of LG Polls
MEANWHILE, former Minister of Communications, Major.-General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd), has questioned the rationale behind the establishment of a reconciliation committee by the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) concerning the local government polls scheduled for July 12, 2025.
He argued that the move amounted to a deceptive strategy aimed at denying indigenes inclusive political participation within the ruling party. Olanrewaju, who is also a trustee of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a group advocating for the aspirations of Lagos State indigenes, expressed his concerns in a statement reacting to the development.
He questioned the purpose of the committee, given that indigenes were allegedly sidelined and denied nominations and selections as candidates for chairmanship and councillorship seats in the elections.
The former minister, while condemning the move, highlighted that the marginalisation of indigenous Lagosians was no longer a subtle concern but was visibly apparent at every level.
Furthermore, Olanrewaju criticised the intent behind the reconciliation committee, alleging that party policies and political actions had been designed to promote hegemony and impose non-indigenes over the interests of Lagos indigenes.
