From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has hailed the conduct of the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) election conducted in the state on Saturday describing the process as transparent.
Though, the election recorded low turnout of voters in many polling units, the Governor commended the electorate and other stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the poll.
The election which took place in the 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAs in the 2,195 polling units across the 177 wards in the state was adjudged as violent-free.
According to the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), Eight political parties participated in the Chairmanship position, while fourteen political parties participated in the Councillorship position out of the 18 registered political parties in the state.
Major opposition parties in the state, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) did not participate in the election.
As against the 8:30am commencement time , voting commenced in some polling units around 9:30am, the delay was due to the late arrival of EKSIEC officials to those polling units.
At most polling units in Ado-Ekiti, Ilawe-Ekiti, Igbara- Odo, Erijiyan- Ekiti,Ikogosi- Ekiti, Ipole- Ekiti, Efon Alaaye- Ekiti and Ido Ile- Ekiti, there were few voters on the queue to cast their votes.
The restriction of movement between 8am and 2pm as announced by both the state government and the Police was largely ineffective as motorists, motorcyclists and other road users were seen moving from one place to another in Ado-Ekiti metropolis and other towns
At the popular King’s market, Bisi market, Irona market and Oja Enu Odi markets in Ado Ekiti, market women and men, mobile food vendors and other business owners were seen doing their businesses unhindered while some commercial motorcyclists were seen doing skeletal works across Ado-Ekiti and other towns visited.
Also, some shops, kiosks, canteens and filling stations in the capital city and other towns were also opened for business activities while the election lasted
Security agencies, such as Nigerian Army, Police officers, Nigeria Security and Civil Corps (NSCDC), Peace Corps among others were present to ensure law and order.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after casting his vote at his home town in Unit 003, Okelele, Ward 06, Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekameta LCDA, Governor Oyebanji described the process as transparent, owing to the peaceful atmosphere.that greeted the conduct of the election.
He, however, expressed dissatisfaction at the low turnout of voters and stressed the need for more voter education and sensitization to encourage more turnout of voters in future elections in the state.
Oyebanji said he is happy as a government that the election is taking place in order to democratize the government at that level.
“The local government elections can get better, as the most critical arm of government in respect of delivering government policies at the grassroots level.
“The people on their own will have the opportunity to choose their representatives at the local government level.
” The turnout is a bit low, that tells me that we need to do more on voter education and sensitization.”
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, who voted at Unit 003, Atiba/Aafin Ward, in Ikere Ekiti, described the turnout as impressive.
“The election has so far been peaceful and violence-free. And you could see how people are trooping out and queue to cast their votes. We are witnessing a remarkable improvement in our local government election.
“I know that today’s election shall be a success because all the stakeholders are ready to comply with the rules”.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, who cast his vote at Ward 004, Unit 004, Ekiti West Local Government Area, Ekameta LCDA, hailed EKSIEC and expressed satisfaction at the conduct of the election
” It was a free and fair election. It was a violent- free election. The people freely expressed their franchise.
” The conduct of the election has shown that the All Progressives Congress is becoming stronger and the electorate are becoming mature right from the inception of the election to the end of the exercise.”
Awe expressed optimism that candidates of the All Progressives Congress will come out victorious in the election
On his part, the Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, who voted at polling Unit 002, Ward 12, Iyemero Ekiti, said the turnout of voters in his area was impressive.
Ogungbemi, is the Chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.,
Ogungbemi who is seeking re-election described the atmosphere as peaceful and expressed happiness at the conduct of the election.
“The turnout of today is very impressive in Ajoni LCDA. I give kudos to SIEC because they have conducted a perfect election. The election materials and SIEC officials arrived at the polling booths as early as 7am.
“The security atmosphere is very peaceful and the voters have been very orderly.
” The voters have been here in their hundreds on queue to cast their vote. We have enough security in every polling unit. The turnout is a testament to our performance in the LCDA and the performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.”