The Oyo state chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on Saturday honoured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Barrister Mutiu Agboke for conducting free, fair and credible elections in the state.
In honouring the REC, NAWOJ presented him with Certificate of Commendation and a Plaque.
Speaking at the presentation, Oyo state NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Jadesola Ajibola who led other executive members to the commissions Agodi office declared that the honour was as a result of the REC and the commission’s ability in meeting the demands placed before him
Comrade Jadesola Ajibola said, “we were here about three weeks before the election and made some demands.”
“We demanded that the election should be free, fair, credible and transparent, we got that. We demanded that all the parties should be given a level playing ground, we got that. We also demanded that all the stakeholders be carried along in all the commission’s efforts at conducting the election. We got that too.” she said.
Comrade Ajibola added, “the REC, with the support of the management team were never tired of giving information anytime we knock on their doors. We followed their actions and monitored all their efforts from the pre-election to the announcement of the result and we saw the Transparency and that the people’s votes counted and that is why we agreed that we should commend the Commission and the REC in Oyo state.”
Receiving the letter of commendation and a plaque, the Resident Electoral Commissioner said he was shocked that the efforts of the commission were been appreciated and recognised by journalists.
“We have a guideline and there are provisions for everything and anything we have to do as a commission. All we did was just to follow them to the letter. I was shocked at the kind of response we have been getting since after the election because we have been largely commended and we are proud of it.” he said.
