2 months ago
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Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo (M) presenting his voter card for accreditation, during the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Benin, Edo on Saturday (21/9/23).
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has commended the enthusiasm of the electorate and Edo voters for coming out to cast their votes despite the heavy rain.
Obaseki, who arrived at his polling unit at Ward 4, Unit 19 at Emokpae Primary School in Oredo Local Government Area at 11:50 am, completed his accreditation and voted at about 11:57 am.
The governor praised the electorate and young Edo voters for their determination and interest in the election, defying the rain to exercise their franchise to elect their governor for the next four years.
He said, “You can see that despite the weather, the turnout and enthusiasm of the electorate is high. The ballot box in my polling unit is full, and clearly, this shows that people are 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 many young people are here to express themselves and fulfil their civic obligations.
“For now, I am pleased with what I see; the election process in my unit has been smooth and efficient, but I just hope that the collation process will be the same, peaceful, and that the results counting will not be disrupted.
“I am satisfied with the military presence in the state, and the federal security agencies have taken over the state, so I don’t have any say. I believe that the IGP is the chief security officer of the state.”
Regarding some arrests made by the military, Governor Obaseki commended them for their actions, stating that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, is living up to his words.
“The military have done a good job and have performed well. The Chief of Defence Staff came to see me and assured me that his men were fully on the ground, and I am pleased 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 some people are claiming to be policemen at Ogbe polling field, trying to arrest people on election day at their polling units.
“We are pleased with the deployment of our agents, and our situation room is open. We are receiving reports from all over and hope for the best.”
