Kogi State Fixes October 19 for Local Government Elections
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has announced October 19 as the date for the local government elections across the state. This decision comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s recent judgment declaring the caretaker committee running the affairs of local government areas in the country illegal.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has led to the Federal government’s decision to withhold allocation to local government areas without elected officials, as the joint allocation account committee is no longer recognized under the law. The KOSIEC Chairman, Mamman Eri, confirmed that the date was fixed in accordance with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and the powers vested in the state Independent Electoral Commission.
Eri assured that a comprehensive timetable schedule of activities has been prepared to ensure a transparent, fair, and credible electoral process. According to the timetable, each candidate for the counselorship election is expected to deposit N100,000 to the commission, while Chairmanship candidates are required to deposit N250,000.
The KOSIEC Chairman also emphasized that anyone who has been dismissed from the public or civil service of the Federation or a state or local government area or private employment is not qualified to contest for any of the positions. Additionally, anyone who has been found guilty of an offence involving narcotic drugs or any other psychotropic substance by any court in Nigeria or tribunal in Nigeria or any other country cannot vie for any elective position in the election.
Eri appreciated the continued support and collaboration to ensure the successful organization and completion of the local government election in the state.
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