#EdoDecides24: Obaseki votes, expresses satisfaction

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Saturday commended the excitement shown by voters who defied the heavy downpour to cast their votes in the governorship election in the state.

Obaseki arrived at his polling unit at Ward 4, Unit 19, at Emokpae Primary School, Mission Road, Benin City, in Oredo Local Government Area at 11:50 a.m.

The governor, who went through the accreditation formalities, voted at about 11:57 a.m. and thereafter spoke with journalists.

The governor, who expressed satisfaction with the process, added that the voters must be commended for their determination and interest in the election.

He said, “You can see that despite the weather, the turnout and enthusiasm of the electorate are high. The ballot box in my polling unit is full, and clearly, it shows people have been interested in this election as they have been adequately mobilised.

“People are very interested in this election because it’s a watershed moment for us in Edo State. I am not surprised because a lot of young people are here to express themselves and fulfil their civic obligation.

“For now, I am glad with what I see, and the election process in my unit has been smooth and efficient. I just hope that the collation process will be the same, peaceful, and that the results counter will not be disrupted.

“I am glad with the military presence in the state, and the federal security has taken over. I don’t have any say; I believe that the IGP is the Chief Security Officer of the state.”

On some arrests made by the military, Governor Obaseki commended the military for the arrests, saying the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, was living up to his word.

“The military has done a good job and has done well. The Chief of Defence Staff came to see me and assured me that his men were fully on the ground. I am glad with what they are doing, but I am not too sure of what the police are doing at this time.

“As I speak, I hear that there are some people claiming to be policemen at Ogbe polling field, trying to arrest people on election day at their polling units.

“We are glad at the deployment of our agents, and our situation room is open. We are receiving reports from all over and hoping for the best.”

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