Election: Akeredolu commends turn out

By Chris Chimezie
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Voters in Owo Local Government area of Ondo State have described the turn-out of voters in the Saturday’s general elections as unprecedented and peaceful despite the postponement of the exercise last we.

They expressed their views while speaking with The Hope reporter who monitored some units out of the 218 polling units in the local government area.

Among those who spoke with The Hope in separate interviews included candidate for Owo Constituency (1) in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi.

Shortly after casting his vote at Igbooroko 2,Ward 3,Unit 14, he expressed satisfaction over the massive turn-out of the electorate despite the postponement of the elections.

“I commend the voters for their understanding and determination to perform their civic responsibilities and more importantly, for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.

“So far, we never experienced any form of rancour, the process has been peaceful, credible and the Card Readers are functioning perfectly”, he said.

Also,  a journalist, Dayo Fadahunsi described the day as that which many Nigerians have looked forward to and thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

“If you move round, you will discover that Owo, among other communities in Nigeria  remained peaceful. No any form of violence because Nigeria has resolved to move on and Owo is part of the movement and that’s why we are exercising our franchise peacefully.

“Despite all the noise about INEC, I want to sincerely commend them because no hitch has been reported against their materials. They have lived up to expectation”, he said.

On his own, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Owo Local Government, High Chief Olasimi Okeowo who voted at Iloro Ward 6, Unit 1, described the entire exercise in the Ward as violence-free and going on like a family affairs issue.

“The electoral materials arrived as early as 7:30am while accreditation and voting commenced simultaneously. No intimidation from anyone and everybody is freely voting for the party and candidates of their choice”, he said.

A voter, Kanisuru Alade from Iloro Ward 1,appreciated God for the smooth conduct of the polls as well as the impressive response by electorates, despite INEC shifting the election.

He urged Nigerians to continue to show immense love to one another which he attributed to the success of the entire exercise in Owo and in the state as a whole, describing it as the best way to move the nation forward.

For Mr Ikoto Olaolu, also an electorate, after casting his vote at Maternity Ward 11,Unit 18 in Emure-Ile, said he thought the postponement would lead to apathy, but commended the electorates for their large turn-out.

“l can assure you that no hitch has been recorded since the commencement of the exercise and the people are cooperating well with the electoral officials and I also wish to applaud INEC for not letting the people down on the day of the election.”, he said.

Also lending his voice, Mr. Henry Adegbemile who voted at Igboroko Ward 2, Unit 4, said the exercise was very free, fair and devoid of rancour in the unit and other units in the Ward.

“Everybody filed out joyfully and willingly to cast their votes for candidates of their choice because they see the exercise as an avenue for them to do that which would move Nigeria forward”, he said.

An election Observer from the Presidency and representing INEC, Mrs Evelyn Adewale, while speaking with The Hope at Emure-Ile, said she monitored the exercise in Owo and Uso and its environs.

She explained that generally, in the areas she had visited, the exercise went peacefully and lauded the voters who trooped enmasse to vote for candidates of their choice without any form of inducement, rancour or intimidation.