.….Say She is working Professionally
…..Warn against intimidation of the REC because of her gender.
Ahead of the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ondo State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ignore calls by a political party for the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, declaring that the call is devilish and unwarranted.
The coalition described the State REC, Mrs Babalola as one of the most professional top electoral officers around, insisting that INEC should not succumb to blackmail by some politicians who are calling for her redeployment.
The CSOs spoke in Akure at a press conference on thursday.
In the Press Conference text signed by Franklin Oloniju, High Chief Akomolafe, Alo Martins, Mrs Ajih Florence, Aborode Jumoke, Jonathan Babatola, Dr. Fausat Aragbaye, Folasade Bamigboye, Emmanuel Adaramola and Activist Temilola Odetola, the Coalition said “the civil society community in Ondo State is compelled to issue this press briefing in view of the happenings ahead of the Ondo State Governorship election 2024, today Wednesday, 7th November 2024.
The text read by Franklin Oloniju and Mrs Ajih Florence, said, “the civil society community in Ondo State is worried about the activities of some political actors and leaders in the State, which are heating up the polity and creating uncertainty ahead of the 2024 Governorship election.
“We are particularly worried about the ongoing mobilization against the person of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the State. It seems this mobilization is being orchestrated to pre-empt the outcome of the election, disrupt the peaceful political atmosphere in the State, and as a way of instigating election violence, either during or after.
“This became more worrisome especially when the call from these quarters has not ceased even when the electoral management body has swiftly responded to the removal call of the REC by a Oyo State Governor through a clear and unambiguous press statement released specifically on Tuesday 15th October 2024.
“The State of origin of the REC has never been in doubt in the past. It is shameful that political actors intending to create chaos and tensions in Ondo State are attempting to use this negative and false narrative to achieve their devilish intentions.
“The CSOs in Ondo State stand firmly against any attempts to intimidate the Resident Electoral Commissioner REC because of her gender. These same political parties participated in the Edo State Governorship election and never questioned or campaigned against a REC that was accused of being a member of a political party and a brother of a well-known politician in the country.
“But has now found their voice because the REC in Ondo is a woman. We would like to state categorically that we will resist any gender-based violence and intimidation in the State, as we have always done.
“We call on the Police to take extra measures to protect the woman REC and the entire State from the evil machinations of these unscrupulous elements,” said the CSOs.
