 In preparation for the forthcoming July 24 local government elections in Ogun State, the State Independent Electoral Commission has promised to conduct free, fair and transparent elections, saying the exercise will be the most peaceful in the history of the state. The chairman of the Commission, Mr Babatunde Oshibodu, disclosed this while revealing the guidelines for the poll at his holders meeting with political parties. Civil society groups aspirants as well as other relevant bodies in Abiyokuta, the state capital on Monday. He assured that the local council's election will be true reflection of the people's wishes and aspirations. That in the conduct of these elections we shall be fair, we shall be equitable, we shall be just, we shall be even-handed, we shall be unbiased, we shall be open, and we shall be transparent, and we shall listen. We shall listen to all interested parties, and we shall ensure that our decisions take into consideration the interests of all parties. It is on this note that I wish to appeal to the entire political class, as well as aspirants, to embrace these guidelines and the entire stipulations constrained in them very seriously, not just during the campaigns but throughout the entire election period. The chairman of the Commission who rolled out some of the guidelines said chairmanship firm will be sold for 200,000 Naira, while councilorship firm will be sold for 100,000 Naira, revealed that firms will be given to women for free. Let me also use this auspicious occasion to call on the good people of our dear state, most especially the youths, to embrace dignity and self-esteem, and not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence. To eschew all forms of anti-democratic activities, including ballot snatching, multiple voting, and other forms of malpractice in our quest to elect responsible, credible, and responsive leaders at the grassroots. And also at this point I should emphasize that we are working closely with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that violence in these campaigns and elections are brought to the very, very, very minimum, if not completely eliminated.