Leader of delegation from Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKISIEC), Mr. Dele Oloje made the revelation during a courtesy call on Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Hon. Justice Afolabi Abdul-Fatai Adeyinka in Lagos.
He said the delegation visited to learn from Lagos state as it prepares for referendum to give effects to additional local governments. There are presently 16 local governments in Ekiti State.
Oloje explained that Ekiti (SIEC) cannot afford to let the State Government down on the assignment hence the consultation.
While responding, Chairman, LASIEC, Adeyinka noted that some states have created additional local governments adding that affected states must however notify the Senate to formalise the process. He said he would not be a party to anything that is unconstitutional, stressing that the Supreme Court has already confirmed that states have powers to create additional local governments.
He urged SIEC, Ekiti State to carry out the referendum in conjunction with relevant technical partners, particularly office of the Surveyor-General of the State for the production of Geographical Information System (GIS) map as well as the ministry responsible for physical planning and urban development so as to guard against boundary conflicts.
He also stressed the need for effective collaboration between State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and their respective state governments for the provision of adequate security in view of the sensitive nature of the job.
