Governor Yahaya Bello has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agents for their conduct at Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi state.
Bello spoke after voting at his Agassa polling unit in Okene local government where he noted that the level of preparedness by INEC and its officials resulted in a smooth conduct of the exercise.
“I commend INEC for a job well done. I also commend security operatives for offering residents of Kogi the peaceful environment to participate in the election without hindrance.
“I am optimistic that our candidate, Usman Ododo, will emerge victorious at the end of the exercise.
“We have come out in numbers to cast our votes. I have just cast my vote and others are casting their votes. It is timely. All materials were deployed within the time stipulated.
“So far I haven’t heard of complaint from any quarter. The conduct of INEC so far has been so fantastic. All the security agencies have conducted themselves so far very professionally.
“Citizens that are exercising their franchise are doing that freely. There are no hitches; no rancour.
“We are united and we are happy at this exercise. By the special grace of God we are going to come off very triumphant,’’ Bello said.
Governor Bello stated that incidence of electoral violence in Kogi during his regime was a media creation.
“There is nothing like violence. The conduct of free and fair and credible election is in the hands of security agencies and the citizens,’’ he said.
