The date for the Local Government elections across the state is set by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission for October 19.
This came after the Supreme Court’s judgement of last week which ruled that the caretaker committee in charge of the local government area in the country was not authorised.
The Federal Government then declared that as the joint allocation account committee is no longer legally recognised, the allocation to these Local Government areas without elected representatives would be withdrawn.
During the first stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, Mamman Eri, the chairman stated that the fixes were made in compliance with the power vested in the state Independent Electoral Commission and the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
Eri stated that in order to guarantee a free, fair, and credible electoral process, a comprehensive schedule of events has been prepared.
“We assure you that these activities have been designed with utmost consideration for inclusivity, transparency and adherence to electoral laws. In the timetable made available, each candidate for the counsellorship election is expected to deposit N100,000 to the commission while 250,000 is to be deposited by the Chairmanship candidate.
“Similarly, 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.
“Also, 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 view for any of elective position in the Election,” he stated.
Eric appreciated for the continuous assistance and teamwork that went into the effectively planning and execution of the local government election in the state.
