Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Friday hosted National Assembly Joint Committee Members on Electoral Matters who paid him a Courtesy Visit in his office on Friday.
The National Assembly Joint Committee Members on Electoral Matters, led by Senator Sarafadeen Ali and Hon. Adebayo Balogun, were hosted at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office, Agodi Ibadan.
Addressing his visitors, Governor Seyi Makinde, said that the task before the committee is pivotal, describing it as
foundational participatory democracy, which he charged them to take a look at the new laws and ensure that the outcome substantially reflects the wishes of the people.
While pledging his support for the committee, Governor Makinde further reiterated his advocacy for youth involvement in the governance through active political exposure for vibrant leadership positions.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Senate committee on electoral matters and senator representing Oyo south senatorial district, Senator Safaradeen Alli said though the 2022 electoral act is the best the country has got so far, pointed out that the Act has its shortcomings.
Senator Alli further made it known that alienation of the youths, vulnerable people and difficult terrains are the major issues affecting electoral participation in the country, hence the need for consultation across the six geopolitical zones in the country.
He further stated that the joint house committees on electoral matters would also consult all necessary stakeholders to ensure that the proposed electoral act enjoys the support of all and sundry.
Also Speaking, the chairman, house of representatives committee on electoral matters, Honourable Adebayo Balogun, who noted that the youth make up 70 percent of the Nigerian electorate, should be prevailed upon to be a part of the country’s growth and development.
The event had in attendance the Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, the Honorable representing Ibadan North East / South East federal Constituency, Hon. Abbas Adigun Agboworin, the Secretary to the state government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo, the Head of Service Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioners and some other political appointees.