Crisis rocks Kogi SIEC as group petitions SIEC Chairman over partisanship of a Commissioner

Serious crisis is presently rocking Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission following a petitioned from a Concern Citizens of Kabba/Bunu local government area over an alleged involvement of a Commissioner of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Emmanuel Folorunsho Olorunfemi in various political meetings in his local government area.

The group in a petition letter dated 14 June 2021, which was addressed to the state Chairman of SIEC, and signed by Mr. Adebayo Johnson and copy was made available to newsmen on Saturday, stated that contrary to the doctrine of neutrality, which is the hallmark and core value of the commission, Mr. Emmanuel Folorunsho Olorunfemi has not hidden his affinity for active participation in politics.

“Mr. Emmanuel Folorunsho Olorunfemi is a card carrying member of the All Progressive Congress (APC)

“This allusion can therefore be substantiated by pictorial evidence of some of his multiple attendance and appearances in political meetings with politicians in and around his local government area

“To further lay credence to the above, a popular social media platform name withheld was agog and thrown into fire by members of the platform who are predominantly members of the ruling All Progressive Congress and the opposition People’s Democratic Party throwing vibes, banters and altercations as a result of this ugly development

“This attitude of the SIEC Commissioner if not quickly addressed will not doubt constitute an embarrassment to the government of Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello and also a flagrant disobedience to the statue establishing the Commission and equally ultra vires the objective clause and minimum requirement of membership of the Commission,” the group warned.

They therefore pleaded with the leadership of the Commission to commence investigation into this untoward and undemocratic behaviour of Mr. Emmanuel Folorunsho Olorunfemi to avoid rubishing the integrity of the Commission.

Recalled the group had petitioned the Kogi State House of Assembly demanding for proper investigation of the Commission over his involvement in political meetings in his local government area.

The House Committee Chairman on Public Petition and Human Rights, Hon. Musa Attacjachi presented a petition submitted by one Adebayo Johnson to the Kogi State House of Assembly to look into the unwholesome activities of Mr. Funsho Olorunfemi in recent times.

According to him, it has been observed recently that an officer who should be apolitical is seen attending political programs which negate the doctrine of the law that established the commission.

He said it has become imperative for them to act to save the commission and indeed the entire state from being ridiculed in the eyes of the public due to his unethical behavior.

He called on the Kogi State House of Assembly to as a matter of urgency carry out a thorough investigation to ascertain their claims.

Ruling on the petition, the speaker, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole said it would have been good if he was aware  of the petition before it was presented on the floor.

He referred the petition to the joint committees on Public Petition and Human Right, Justice and legal matters, urging them to reports their findings back to the house in two weeks.
End.