*Lauds turn out of voters
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday, declared that the conduct of the local government elections in Oyo State was transparent and almost at par with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) -organised elections.
The governor said this while speaking after casting his vote at the Ward 11, Unit 1, Abayomi Area, Ibadan North East Local Government Area on Saturday.
Gov Makinde who commended OYSIEC for the smooth process in the conduct of the council polls across the state, also commended the electorate for turning out to participate in the election.
The governor tasked the people of the state to receive the outcome of the election in good faith, adding that the election is at par with the one organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a giving, democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. it’s almost our 5th year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time”, he said.
Gov Makinde added, “Before we came in, it had always been a caretaker administration, where the people did not really have a say on who should govern them at the grassroots level.
“You can see how people are going about exercising peacefully. Traffic restrictions is been obeyed by the people. I’ll like to commend our people for coming out, and take this civic exercise seriously for our democracy. I thank our people. The vote is going on peacefully. If you look at INEC organised election and the one organised by OYSIEC, it is almost the same.”
Gov Makinde stressed further, ” The security has been excellent truly. I challenge people to compare it with the INEC-organised elections is almoat at par, and see how transparent the process is.
“For the people I will say accept the outcome, if you see anything ontowards or irregularities as far as this exercise is concerned, bring it up to the authorities and then they will deal with it.
” For those who are yet to come out, they should come out and exercise their civic responsibility. They will even feel good that they are part of the process and we will count them as part of those contributing to the progress and development of our democracy”.
Governor Makinde arrived the unit at about 10: 30am and was warmly received by the party agent and some PDP leaders at the council level.
Related
