From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Benue state Governor Samuel Ortom and his wife, Mrs Eunice Ortom has casted their votes in their hometown Gbajimba, in Guma LGA of the state.
Speaking to newsmen after casting his vote, Governor Ortom said he expects victory for himself and his candidates.
“My expectation is that I will win and my other candidates will win and you already know who are my candidates..
Ortom who voted alongside his wife, son and other aides described the functions of the BIVAS as an improvement on what obtained in the past saying we are not there yet.
“We would like to see electronic voting transmission at the end of the day. Rome was not built in a day. The journey of a thousand kilometres starts with one step.
“But this is an improvement in the accreditation and voting process and today it is going to be faster and before long, everyone will be done with voting.
“I want to also say I’m happy with the people, they had headed to my admonishment and the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma’s admonishment that the election should be peaceful, that there is no need to introduce violence into this election in any form.
“I believe that at the end, John 3:27, the Bible says “A man can receive nothing except it is given to him from above.” So at the end, whoever God wants will emerge. So I’m happy has headed to the call.
He also described the turnout as very impressive as many people have turned out to vote while many others were still on their way to the polling unit.
“I believe the people are fully mobilized. As you can see, nobody is happy with what is happening in our state and in the country as far as security issues are concerned.
“All the polling units in this my council ward are voting in Gbajimba the Headquarters. Others are as far as 30 kilometers away from here and because the herdsmen militia have chased them away, they have no option than to vote here
Also speaking the Principal Assistant (PA) to Governors Samuel Ortom on Special Duties, Mr Abraham Kwangu, also expressed joy after casting his vote saying he is expecting that it should be peaceful and those chosen by God be elected.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the BIVAS saying he didn’t experience any hitches.
Meanwhile some of the voters who also spoke to our correspondent, John Terwase, Aondona James, Precious Gbamwuam, expressed joy that the election day has finally come and they are on ground to speak their mind through the ballot.