Sacked chairman and members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, have kicked against the plan by Governor Seyi Makinde to constitute a new board for the commission.
They described the action as unfortunate and a deliberate violation of the rule of law considering that action had been filed at the Industrial Court on the matter.
The OYSIEC members, while speaking through their Chairman, Mr. Olajide Ajeigbe, said it was inhumane on the part of government and its agents to be peddling rumours that all their salaries and entitlement had been paid, noting that up till present moment a dime had not been given to any member of the commission.
He said: “Ordinarily we would not have reacted to this issue because it is still pending at the law court but to put the record straight, that we have not collected any money as being spread by government agents, who are rumour mongers.”
Makinde had dissolved the board of the OYSIEC with a promise to pay their salaries and allowances till the end of their tenure.
The dissolution letter dated July 1, and addressed to the chairman of the board, said the governor was aware that the tenure of the members had not expired but that the government was ready to offset all the salaries and entitlements of the members for the remaining period of the tenure.
The dissolution was contained in a letter signed by the state’s Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Agboola.
The letter entitled, “Dissolution of Board of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission” reads: “I wish to refer to the above subject and inform you that His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, has approved the dissolution of the board of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission with effect from July 1st, 2019.
“While noting the fact that your tenure has not expired, the state government is ready to offset all salaries and allowances payable to you till the end of your tenure.
“His Excellency wishes you the best in your future endeavours. Kindly hand over the property of the state in your care to the most senior director in your commission.”
The OYSIEC board, headed by Ajeigbe, a retired Deputy Director of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was inaugurated on June 17, 2016 by former governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Makinde last Thursday approved the composition of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, when he forwarded the names of eight individuals to the House of Assembly, for consideration as chairman and members of the commission.
Those nominated include Barrister Isiaka Olagunju as chairman of the commission, while Comrade Adeniyi Afeez Babatunde, Alhaja Ganiyat Saka, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Chief Kumi Agboola, Mr. Remi Ayoade, Mr. Sunday Falan and Mr. Adeojo Elias, are members.
