IDRIS AHMED, Lokoja.
On Saturday, October 19, the Kogi Local Government Councils election was held in a tranquil atmosphere, witnessing a substantial voter participation as citizens cast their ballots for candidates of their choice.
Voters in Lokoja’s Adankolo, Zone 8, Riverine market, specifically at Crowder Memorial College, began arriving at polling units as early as 8am to participate in the electoral process.
Electoral officials and materials arrived promptly at most polling units in the metropolis and Kogi West and East Senatorial districts, with security personnel positioned to maintain order and ensure a peaceful election.
Gabriel Onoja, the presiding officer at Adankolo polling centre, attributed their early arrival to receiving all necessary materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, from the Lokoja Local Government council Secretariat in a timely manner.
“As you can see we are accrediting and as well allowing voters to cast their votes and the exercise is going on peaceful without any hitch, ” he said.
At Gegu Beki in Kogi local government area, an unprecedented number of voters cast their ballots, with the electorate exhibiting commendable civility.
Commissioner Mohammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu of Kogi State’s Solid Minerals and Natural Resources department commended the election, noting its peaceful and encouraging outcome.
He affirmed his conviction that the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates would successfully win the election in Kogi LGA.
“This is because almost the entire people of Kogi Local government area are APC supporters due to the wonderful works that Gov Usman Ododo’s administration is doing across the state.
“We are also confident that APC will sweep the election across the 21 LGAs, because we have proven and tested candidates couple with Gov Ododo’s giant strides in his few days in office.
“We believe that there’s no more opposition in the state because of what our governor is doing for the people, ” he said.
The Commissioner advised those Chairmen and Councillors that may emerge victorious to be leaders of all people within their areas to replicate what Gov Ododo is doing for the people of the state.
He commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) for organizing and conducting a free, fair and credible election in the state.
In his reaction, Barrister Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku, Chairman, Kogi State Civil Service Commission, expressed gratitude to God and KOSIEC for the peaceful manner the election was conducted across the state.
Tanko said: “This has been our dream for this state that all elections be peaceful, free and fair for us to progress as a state.”
“This is because what peace can not give , violence can’t give. Therefore, we need this kind of understanding by all political parties and the electorate.
“As you can see what is happening here in our local government, everything is going on smoothly without any hitch or crisis,” he said.
