OGSIEC CLARIFIES ADMINISTRATIVE FEE TARGETED AT POLITICAL PARTIES, NOT CANDIDATES

 OGSIEC CLARIFIES ADMINISTRATIVE FEE TARGETED AT POLITICAL PARTIES, NOT CANDIDATES

 

 Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has clarified that the administrative charges for the upcoming 2024 Local Government Elections are directed at political parties, not individual candidates.

The charges apply to parties fielding candidates for Chairmanship or Councillorship positions in the election.

OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde, made this statement during a radio interview in Abeokuta. He explained that the fee aims to boost participation and commitment among political parties. "Each party must pay the administrative fee. People tend to value what they invest in. By paying for their candidates’ forms, parties will demonstrate greater commitment, encouraging more than just a few of the 19 registered parties to show interest," Osibodu said.

Osibodu emphasised that the commission is legally empowered to impose the fee, having sought legal counsel and received approval from the State House of Assembly.

Addressing concerns raised by Hon. Itunu Abioro, Public Relations Officer of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ogun State, Osibodu noted that OGSIEC has the legal authority to establish its own electoral guidelines. He stressed the importance of party participation, stating, "If political parties choose not to participate, they cannot later complain if a single party dominates the election. Non-participation is tantamount to conceding defeat."

Osibodu reaffirmed OGSIEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election. He also highlighted the release of the election timetable and guidelines as the first step in the electoral process, assuring that further engagements with political parties and stakeholders will follow. "Everything we do is for the progress of the state," he concluded.

 

Damilola Akindele,

Press Officer, OGSIEC

 

OGIRS ASSURES FRSC OF EFFECTIVE SYNERGY ON ROAD TAXES PAYMENT

Ogun State Internal Revenue Service(OGIRS), has assured the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of effective synergy, towards ensuring that vehicle owners comply with payment of road taxes, such as driver’s and vehicle license, among others, so as to generate more revenue for government.

This indication was brought to the fore during a visit by a team from FRSC, led by its Sector Commander, RS 2.2, Ogun State Command, Mr. Akinwunmi Fasakin, to the Executive Chairman, OGIRS, Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye.

Speaking, Mr. Olaleye said the agency was willing to strengthen its collaboration with the Corps in enforcing policies on road checks for drivers, adding that the plan was to ensure that all vehicle owners possess valid driver's licence, among other documents.

 He pointed out that OGIRS had embarked on enlightenment programmes such as media appearances, as well as placement of jingles on radio and television stations, to sensitise the public on the need to pay their taxes as at when due.

The OGIRS boss urged the Command to find a lasting solution to the peculiar problem attached to the issuance of driver's licence certificate, which had been known to take more time than necessary before getting to the owners.

 "When we have this FRSC-led joint enforcement strategy, we will increase revenue. It is not to witch-hunt anybody but to generate funds to government coffer for national development", he said.

In her remark, Director Other Taxes, OGIRS, Mrs. Oluyomi Dawodu, appreciated the Command for the visit, and appealed to them to increase the production of number plates which would be readily available for car owners to pick at time of purchase.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Fasakin, who commended the Chairman for the existing relationship with the Corps, said FRSC had been maintaining seamless operations with OGIRS team, explaining that some car owners were without licence which had resulted to low returns on road taxes.

He stated that the Command would soon commence an enforcement exercise to be known as ‘’Operation Show Me Your Driver's Licence", which would   force drivers to visit OGIRS for payment of their driver's licence, promising that backlogs of licences would be cleared.

In attendance were Head, Road Taxes, OGIRS, Mr. Ayodele Popoola, Sector Head of Driver's Licence, FRSC, Oke-Mosan Unit, Mrs. Rabiat Olanrewaju, and National Vehicle Identification Scheme Officer, FRSC, Mr. Olumide Familoni.

 

Bola Sobola,

Press Officer, OGIRS