Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), has announced that it would engage Public and Civil servants in the state as Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, as well as Returning Officers for electoral duties, to ensure accountability and effectiveness in the electoral process.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, during a media engagement in Abeokuta, noting that Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) holders would also be considered for lesser positions.

According to the Chairman, "it is a lot easier to verify the credentials of Public and Civil Servants when appointed for electoral duties. It also means that if there are any issues, it is easier and simpler to trace that person, as well as make accountability a lot easier", he said.

Osibodu described responses for the recruitment process was overwhelming, saying, "there has been loads and loads of applications, people want to take part in the electoral process and the Commission will do its best to recruit the best of them".

The Chairman noted that, "some applicants may not be considered as a result of too many people applying from a particular area; most of the people that would be recruited for the elections are people who will work in their local environment of residence".

In a related development, the Bureau of Code of Conduct has urged Public and Civil Servants to adhere to timely filling of Assets Declaration Form to avoid being convicted by law.

The Acting Director for the State Bureau, Mr. Austin Agbojei, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Commission, noting that failure to do so, could lead to conviction or being barred from political appointment for 10 years.

Agbojei said, "it is required by law for public office holders to fill asset declaration form when appointed into office and at the end of the tenure, inform the Bureau for clearance to avoid delay in processing or forfeiture of retirement benefits".

Responding, one of the Commissioners at OGSIEC, Mrs. Gbemi Onasanya, advised the Bureau to do more of public enlightenment in educating both Civil and Public Servants on the significance of asset declaration forms, as well as the penalty attached.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Commission, Engr. Rasaki Ojetola, appreciated the Bureau for the visit, promising prompt and timely response in collection and submission of the forms.