All winners of the councilorship elections under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State have been presented with Certificates of Return by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).
It should be recalled that all Chairmen-elect received their Certificates of Return last Friday, while all 351 Councilors-elect received their certificates today.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Commission, represented by Atiba Local Government Electoral Officer, Alhaji Balogun Tajudeen, congratulated all the Councilors-elect for their victory. He urged them to view the election as an opportunity to serve the people and champion their cause, emphasizing that the Councilors-elect must “be seen as servants of all, regardless of political affiliations or differences.”
“Use this position to justify the trust reposed in you by the masses. This is just the beginning of your success; your performance will take you to the next stage of your political journey. We have returning councilors among you, which is a testament to their performance, loyalty, and top-notch grassroots governance.”
Alhaji Balogun further noted that the Commission demonstrated its commitment by providing a level playing field for all political parties participating in the council election.
He said OYSIEC ensured that people’s votes counted and added that the Commission would continue to conduct free, fair, and credible elections at the local government level of the state.
Mrs. Oyinlola Adekunle G.A., an advocate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Atiba branch, lauded the electoral officers for ensuring hitch-free, credible, and widely accepted council elections.
She also used the opportunity to admonish the Councilors-elect to prioritize their campaign promises, stressing that progressive efforts should be made towards positive achievements at the grassroots.
“Apply proper wisdom to ensure the dividends of democracy reach all your various constituencies. Your performance is awaited by the masses. I urge you all to propose bye-laws that are constitutional and meet the needs of the masses,” she urged.
Equally, the PDP Party Chairman in Atiba Local Government, Hon. Kabiru Ashamu, commended the Atiba electoral officers for ensuring smooth, free, and fair elections, noting it was the first of its kind at the Royal Council where electorates freely exercised their franchise and civic responsibilities peacefully.
Speaking on behalf of the party’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Quadri Olatunji lauded the Councilors-elect and the electoral officers for demonstrating transparency and inspiring confidence in the citizenry, motivating them towards greater participation in future electoral processes.
“Are you ready to represent your ward? Are you prepared to face the challenges and triumph? It’s time for you to return to your drawing boards and communities and prepare for their needs with productive legislation.”
Olatunji advised them on the importance of ensuring effective legislation at the grassroots, where residents will be pleased with their productive performance.
In his speech, the Royal Council Vice Chairman-elect, Hon. Badmus Ismail Olaide, appreciated the National Orientation Agency (NOA), electoral officers, assistant electoral officers, and ad-hoc staff for their hard work in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
He also thanked the party leaders, stakeholders, and faithful members for their presence at the Councilors-elect’s Certificate of Return ceremony, while assuring the gathering that progressive work would commence in Atiba immediately after their swearing-in ceremony.
Olaide urged the residents to be patient, hopeful, and prayerful for their success.
The highlights of the event included the presentation of Certificates of Return by the Atiba Electoral Officer, Alhaji Balogun Tajudeen.
The recipients of the Councilorship Certificates of Return were: Hon. Bello Kazeem Kolawole, Ward 1; Hon. Musa Kaosarat Oriyomi, Ward 2; Hon. Adebayo Adewale Raheem, Ward 3; Hon. Adewale Afeez Abiodun, Ward 4; Hon. Ademola Kayode Adeniyi, Ward 5; Hon. Yusuff Ashamu Olalekan, Ward 6; Hon. Oyekan Akeem Oyewale, Ward 7; Hon. Ganiyu Abass Oyelakin, Ward 8; Hon. Segun Oyekola Gabriel, Ward 9; and Hon. Okunlola Abiola Emmanuel, Ward 10, respectively.
