Engineer Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin have commended citizens of the state for turning out to vote during Saturday’s local government election.
They also commended the state Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) for creating enabling environment for the people to exercise their voting rights.
While addressing journalists after exercising his franchise at Polling Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East Local Government, Governor Makinde rated the conduct of the election high, staying that it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practice. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The governor disclosed that the security report about the election had been excellent, he, however, implored the people to report any untoward development to the security agencies.
Also, in his reaction after casting his vote at Ward 2, Anko, Eruwa at about 10:45am, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, described the election in Ibarapa East Local Government as one of the best council elections in the area.
Ogundoyin commended OYSIEC for conducting a seamless local government election.
The Speaker explained that the peaceful conduct of the election was a testament to Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise of a credible poll.
“I joined eligible voters at Ward 2, Polling unit 5, Anko area of Eruwa this morning to cast my vote in the local government election held throughout Oyo State. The election was well conducted as it was devoid of any hiccup. Kudos to OYSIEC for organising a seamless election.
“This is a local government election and I am happy that we are getting to a level where everyone is beginning to understand the importance of voting and conducting election peacefully. If election is conducted this way in all Nigerian states, then there will be no point for litigation because it is peaceful, free and fair.
“This is one of the promises of Governor Seyi Makinde that the election umpire would be transparent and fair to all political parties. I will also like to appreciate our people for coming out to exercise their franchise and for conducting themselves peacefully. This is a good omen for the entrenchment of a sound democratic ideal in Nigeria,” Ogundoyin said.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
