Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday charged the new leadership of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) not to give undue advantage to one party over another in their duties.
Ambode spoke in Ikeja at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chairman of LASIEC, retired Justice Ayotunde Phillips and other members of the commission.
The members include Dr Bunmi Omosehinde, Mr Lateef Raji, Mrs Toyin Famakinwa, Mr Olusegun Ayedun and Mr Olumide Lawal.
Ambode said that the commission had a critical role in the democratic process of the state, especially the responsibility of conducting Local Government elections.
He urged them to ensure a credible, transparent and accountable electoral process.
“You must live above board and truly live up to the public expectation as independent umpires.
“You must be transparent and fair to all, without giving undue advantage to one party over another.
“This is the only way you can guarantee the credibility of the process that you supervise,’’ he said.
Ambode said the government placed a high premium on the rule of law and would not in any way interfere in the affairs of the commission.
Phillips, in a vote of thanks, assured that the commission would do its best to have credible, free and fair elections in the state.
“We will make LASIEC an institution for other states to follow and emulate.
“We will go back now and study what is on ground and then we will be able say when elections will hold,” Phillips said. (NAN)
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