CITIZENS COMPASS— The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji on Saturday, hailed the conduct of the gubernatorial election even as he voted at his Ikogosi Ekiti country home.
The Governor hailed the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for a well-organised process and the security agencies for a hitch-free election.
The Governor, who arrived at his Unit 003, Ward 6, Okelele Street, Ikogosi Ekiti at about 11:20 am in company of his Wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, cast his vote at about 11:30 after going through the variation process.
It took the Governor and his wife less than 20 minutes to get accredited and cast their votes due to the effectiveness of the BVAS machine at the unit.
Addressing journalists shortly after casting his vote, the Governor expressed satisfaction at the large turnout of Ekiti people across the state to exercise their franchise.
He said reports from across the state indicated that the election was progressing smoothly in a peaceful atmosphere.
Governor Oyebanji said the peaceful atmosphere and the encouraging turnout is a reflection of the commitment of Ekiti people to democracy, adding that he is pleased with the level of participation witnessed so far.
While appealing to the electorates to be patient with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), acknowledging that minor operational glitches could occur during the process, the Governor said he is confident that the electoral body would promptly address any challenges and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their votes.
“The report across the State has been positive, the election is going on smoothly, people are exercising their franchise, they are happy, voters turn out is impressive and I am so happy and glad people listen to call that they must come out and exercise their franchise. So far, so good everything is going on well.
“Definitely, I am satisfied and I want to appeal to our people to be patient with INEC, for all processes there will be glitches, INEC has assured me and I believe them that all the minor glitches will be attended to.
The Governor said he is optimistic that the State might record the targeted 500,000 votes if a good percentage of all registered voters come out to vote within the stipulated period.
Governor Oyebanji said: “If the processes continue as peacefully as it is and everybody votes, we should cross that line with what I am seeing here today”.
