The Kogi Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, and other stakeholders have commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) for the conduct of Saturday’s local councils election.
They described the exercise as transparent, free, fair and credible.
Fanwo told newsmen shortly after casting their votes at Unit 004, Takete-Ide Ward 07 in Mopamuro in Kogi West, that he was impressed with KOSIEC.
He noted the timely arrival of voting materials at all the various polling units across Mopamuro.
Fanwo said: “we received polling materials in this my polling unit as early 7:30 a.m. and voting began by 8:00 a.m.
“From the reports I am getting from polling units across Mopamuro, the election materials also arrived very early.
“The electoral officers are doing a beautiful job, they delivered the election materials on time, and ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process.
“You can see that the people are conducting themselves in a peaceful manner because this is actually the election of the people that will usher in leaders in the grassroots.
“The people are being given ballot papers, and are free to vote for the party of their choice among the 19 different political parties on the ballot papers.
“You will only win election when you are popular, so,if you are not popular you cannot blame anybody for losing election. So, this election is free, fair and credible.
“Nobody is forcing anyone to vote for any party, because democracy is the celebration of free will and free choice, and that is the choice that the people have come out to do today.”
He appreciated Gov. Ahmed Ododo for honouring his promise of ensuring a credible and transparent election for the people of Kogi.
The commissioner advised the electorates to remain calm and peaceful, saying there should be no tension as democracy remains the celebration of fundamental rights to vote.
On his part, the APC Mopamuro Chairmanship Candidate, Mr Ademola Bello-Destiny, at Aiyeteju-Agbajogun Ward 09, also commended KOSIEC for the peaceful conduct of the election.
“We don’t have any issue in Mopamuro because everybody is happy to vote. I have just cast my vote as the APC Chairmanship Candidate in Mopamuro.
“Our governor is an excellent leader and Chief Servant and has ensure that the election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
Bello-Destiny further commended security agents for ensuring a hitch free election.
The Electoral Officer, KOSIEC Mopamuro LGA, Mr Tope Obajemu, commended the voters for their peaceful conduct, saying the election was the most peaceful in Kogi in recent years.
He noted that there was no voter apathy in the election.
Obajemu stressed that the KOSIEC and hoc staff had been adequately trained to ensure a hitch-free process, saying there was no complaint of any kind.
Also Speaking, Dennis Komolafe, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Inter Party Affairs, said the exercise was seamless in Orokere Ward 06.
“We thank our people for coming out en masse to cast their votes for candidates of their choice.
“We appreciate Gov. Usman Ododo for ensuring a free fair and transparent election as he had promised,” Komolafe said.
