Aggrieved youth in Ondo State have staged a protest and demanded for the removal of , the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state,Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola ,.
The youth marched through the major roads in Akure and finally to the INEC State office in Alagbaka carried placards with different inscriptions, on Wednesday, called for the removal of Babalola before the November 16 governorship election.
Some of the placards had inscriptions such as “INEC Must Do the Needful; “We Are Demanding for REC Removal’’ among others,.
Babalola, who became REC in the state on December 18, 2023, was alleged to be romancing a particular political party in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Ijanusi Olawale, alleged that the REC had been unprofessional in the conduct of her duties and could undermine the election process.“The youth are demanding for free and fair election and we want INEC not to be bias, but transparent and ensure free and fair governorship election in the state,” he said.
The petition written by counsel to the protesting youths, Adeniyi Farinto, read: “We have the firm instructions of our clients to bring to your notice the activities of the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner and to implore you as a matter of urgency to immediately transfer Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola as the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner before the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections set to hold on the 16th day of November 2024.
“This demand became necessary and imperative in order to safeguard the electoral integrity, fairness, and level playing ground in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
“The compromised position of Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola is further undermined by her activities and alliance with members of political parties within the state. This clearly is a conflict of interest that threatens to undermine the foundation of our democracy and imperil the trust of the people of Ondo State in the electoral process.
“This is not merely a request but also an imperative duty to safeguard the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission as the Commission responsible for protecting democracy and electoral processes carried out in the nation at large.”
While addressing the protesting youths, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in the state, Biodun Amosun, assured them that their votes would count, adding that the allegations against the REC would be handled at the national headquarters of the commission.
“We have heard your demands. The thing is being handled at the headquarters. It is not easy for INEC to do anything if you vote. Ensure you have a situation room where you collate results from the polling units,” he said.
He thanked the youth for being peaceful . He said “one thing we must confirm is that peaceful protest is allowed in our democracy.To us, you have not done anything bad. Thank you for being peaceful.”
He assured the allegations against the REC would be handled at the national headquarters of INEC.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama