By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has praised the just concluded Local Government elections, describing the exercise as free and transparent.
The Governor who voted at his polling unit in Upogoro, Okene, attributed the success to the improved security and commitment of the State Government towards safety of lives and property.
He acknowledged the impact improved security had in boosting public confidence, noting that it created room for voters to participate in the democratic process without fear.
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The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging political stakeholders and residents to sustain the peaceful atmosphere throughout the electoral process.
Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote, the Governor expressed delight that people at the grassroots were able to choose their representatives at the Local Government and wards without fear or threat.
According to him, the atmosphere marked a departure from the violence and tension that characterised previous local government elections.
He also used the occasion to urge opposition parties to embrace constructive engagement and demonstrate their commitment to good governance and the development of the state.
Governor Ododo equally noted that the peaceful atmosphere was fundamental to the delivery of dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
“As you can see, I have come to vote for my party, APC. And I would like to speak on those that are making noise, those that are claiming they don’t know what Mr. President is doing; this is one of the examples.
“In the past, local government elections used to be bloody, but we thank Mr. President for giving us that confidence, for supporting us to provide security for our people,” he said.
“This is what we pray for. This is governance, and whoever that doesn’t know what Mr. President is doing, I am now telling you that in this country, Nigeria, once upon a time, when local government election was conducted in a bloody way, causing destruction.
“In this community, in this ward, one of our own, the late Yahaya Aliu, was killed and burnt to ashes. But we thank God today we are conducting that same local government election. This is what we call governance; this is what we call leadership,” the governor added.
He then used the forum to appeal to residents to cooperate with election officials and security agencies to ensure a peaceful conclusion of the exercise.
