All Nigeria Latest News reports that Ekiti State House of Assembly has on Tuesday screened and confirmed a retired Judge of the State High Court, Justice Cornelius Ilori Akintayo, as the new Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) at the plenary of the Assembly.
In an official announcement from the Special Adviser (Media) to the Speaker, Odunayo Ogunmola, it has been confirmed that Justice Akintayo is now the Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). The legislators, having deemed him suitable for the role, granted him the privilege of serving in this capacity for a term of five years.
The Speaker initiated the process by reading a letter from Governor Oyebanji, which sought the Assembly’s concurrence to confirm Justice Akintayo as the chair of the state electoral agency.
The state legislators emphasized that due to Justice Akintayo’s proven competence and integrity throughout his judicial career, they believe he will impartially fulfill his role as the chair of the state electoral agency. Empowered by law to organize local government elections in the state, he is expected to serve as an unbiased electoral umpire.
During his screening, the candidate provided a detailed account of his professional journey, commencing as a court bailiff in the former Ondo State. He progressed in his career, eventually being appointed as a Judge of the State High Court in 2002 by the inaugural civilian Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo. He diligently served in this capacity until his retirement from service.
Prior to granting the nominee the privilege of taking a bow, Speaker Adelugba encouraged Ekiti youths to mirror individuals such as Justice Akintayo. The Speaker highlighted the nominee’s demonstration of patience, hard work, integrity, and competence as qualities worthy of emulation.
He said, “No doubt, we can see him (Akintayo) as a role model. My colleagues have spoken, those who know him from the Bar have spoken and I want our young ones to learn from his story, the way he rose from being a court bailiff to where he is today.
“Every time Governor Biodun Oyebanji sends nominees to us, when we look at their CVs, you will know that they merit the positions they are being nominated for. All of us have agreed that he is a round peg in a round hole and he should be allowed to take a bow and go.”
The Speaker had subjected the nomination to a voice vote with all the legislators at the plenary saying “aye” to the confirmation of the nominee as the new SIEC chief in Ekiti.