Voters Registration: CDHR Visits Ifo Council Chairman, Seeks for Extension of Exercise
By Bola Akinlotan
The Committee For Defence on Human Rights, (CDHR), Ogun State Branch has made a familiarisation visit to the Executive Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Hon Chief (Mrs.) Kikelomo Aridunnu Delano in her office recently.
Comrade Adesina Ali, the State Secretary of CDHR in his speech, sought for the extension of the ongoing voters’ registration excersise, stating that numerous residents of the Council Area as well as the State at large have not registered for their voters’ card.
He also implored the Council Boss to extend more dividends of democracy to every nooks and crannies of the Council Area, as this will enhance the administration’s chances during the forthcoming elections.
Comrade Adesina Ali, noted the incessant hawking and display of wares on the road side by the traders in Ifo market, which is greatly affecting the free flow of traffic, thereby causing traffic congestion especially on the market days.
The Council Boss, thanked the CDHR state secretary and other members for their visit and enlightened them that the issue of voters’ registration is beyond the capacity of the Local Government to extend the period, as its a National program which is being supervised by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Hon Delano added that, it’s only INEC, who has the constitutional powers to extend the period, and enjoined them to appeal to their community members to seize the opportunity of the remaining days of the exercise before it lapsed, to go out enmass and get registered.
She later rolled out some of her administration’s achievements since assumption of office, in a bid to put the record straight. She narrated how much her administration has touched peoples’ lives by embarking on developmental projects such as: tarring of local roads, grading of roads in constituencies l and ll, clearing of refuse dumps, partnering in the Health Insurance Scheme as inaugurated by the State Government, promoting sporting activities in some Primary Schools amongst others.
She promised to provide more social amenities as soon as the opportunity avails itself and as the finances of the Council improves.
She also intimated the Committee about the efforts of the Council has made to control the carefree attitude of the market men and women in ensuring that they don’t display their wares at the roadside, but they proved adamant. Stating that effort is in progress to put, a lasting solution to all the menace.
The Council Chairman appealed to the people of the Area, to contribute their own quota to the developmental work by paying their dues, rates, taxes and levies into the coffers of the Local Government.
In attendance are: the Vice Chairman, Hon. Adebesin Oladapo; Director, General Services & Administration, Mr B. F. Afolabi; Head of Information, Education & Sports, Mr. Dele Ogunyemi; CDHR members and Information crew of the Local Government amongst others.