Mimiko: I won’t interfere in April 23 LG poll

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has promised not to interfere in the state’s local government election slated for April 23.
Mimiko made the promise on Tuesday in Akure at a stakeholders meeting, ahead of the poll.
The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mr Akinsola Akinbobola, urged the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) to play the game by the rules.
According to him, grassroots democracy is very important because it is the closest to the people.
“You need to give a fair playing ground for all to participate in the election,’’ Mimiko said.
He warned all stakeholders to shun hooliganism that could tarnish the image and existing peace in the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ODIEC, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, said that conducting the election was a joint responsibility of all citizens.
Ige tasked all eligible voters to come out and vote, assuring them that their votes would count.
He said that 13 political parties would participate in the election.
The chairman urged all and sundry to strengthen democracy at the grassroots because that was the only way forward to national development.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs Ibifuro Harison, said the meeting was an interactive session in preparation for the poll.
Harison said that it was incumbent upon all security agencies to maintain law and order during the election.
She encouraged all stakeholders to tolerate one another and show love irrespective of political divides.
Harison warned that the police would deal decisively with anyone caught fomenting trouble, stressing that election must not be a do or die affair.