By Christie Doyin
The local government election in Kwara state on Saturday witnessed a huge turn out of voters.
Kwarans trooped out to elect chairmen and their councillors in the 16 local government areas of the state.
The election, which was conducted in most part of the state capital, witnessed peaceful process as residents conducted themselves approximately.
Alhough voting materials arrived late to some polling centres in Ilorin metropolis, which led to refusal to start voting process in some part of Ilorin West until about pm, however, accreditation and voting proper commenced in other areas as early as 9am.At Budo Nuhu, Gbagba and the interior of Galadima village, the electorate had formed long queues as early as 8am but none availability of chairmanship recording sheets delayed commencement of voting till about 2:15pm and 2:30pm respectively.
Ilorin South
Ali Ahmad calls for investigation of involvement of cultists
Shortly after casting his vote in Balogun-Fulani I, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad described the process as impressive and sign of political maturity. He called for the investigation of some of the people caught causing trouble during the process.
“Our people are very politically mature. They take this LG election as presidential election. That show that, the people are politically conscious.
“Those who play politics from the pages of newspaper, on the airwaves of radio station, they can go there and continue their politics over the paper and radio.
The Speaker was however alarmed, over the unprecedented incidences of snatching of ballot boxes, burning of electoral materials and confrontation of electoral officers.
Dr. Ahmad then enjoined the State Police Command and other security agencies, to investigate these incidences and apprehend suspected Cultists and thugs brought to the State, at the wake of election, to cause mayhem and prevent election from holding.
He particularly eulogised the APC members and the entire people of the State, for their resolve to maintain peace and support the current ruling party, as demonstrated in the outcome of the election
Okesunna
In Ilorin South, Okesuna polling, Hajia Funmilayo Salau said the election was very good and people came out in large numbers.
She said the seeming low turnout was due to the patter of voting simultaneously with accreditation.
“Had it been people where accredited and wait to vote after some time, you will meet the large number of people here”.
She said if she emerged as the chairman, she will empower youth and women, health, education, environmental sanitation and take agriculture to the grassroots starting from secondary school so that, when the student graduated from University will be able start on their own.
Ilorin East
Rowdiness in Ibagun
In Asileke Polling unit 009, voting was still on as at past 1pm when National Pilot visited and the situation was rowdy.
Chairperson of the Local Government Service Commission, Hajia Sarat Adebayo said the material came late and the security men were not on ground. She said the election has been fair and noted people need to be patient.
At Ibagun 005, where special assistant to Governor Ahmed on Political Matters, Alhaji Bibire Ajape voted, security men were seen trying to curtail the situation.
Ajape said “People came out very well but the PDP try to cause trouble but our people didn’t reply them.
“We are going to win there is no doubt. We don’t have issue with KWSIEC because they brought all the materials on time.
Former House of Assembly lawmake,Alhaja Nimota Ibrahim praised conduct of the election and massive turn out of people at the polling units in Ilorin East LG.
She however advised that successful candidate at the LG polls should ensure good governance and make youth development their priority.
“The youth form 70 percent of the population in Nigeria. Therefore those who would emerge at this election must fashion out and implement youth development programmes and ensure welfare of the people is prioritized.
Magaji Ngeri
At the polling unit in front of the palace, the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Soliu Woru Muhammed shortly after casting his vote expressed reservation about the process.
He said “I was not satisfied. I came to my Polling Unit presenting my card. The presiding officer said they cannot see my name on the list. I told them if they can’t see my name, they have disenfranchised me.
“I came with my large number of my subject and as the leader I can’t vote and I have to preach peace to my subjects and we left before I was called back to vote that they have seen my name.
“If they can treat me like this who know what they will do to other people out there. In my opinion I think they are jittery about me. KWSIEC must be wary about the kind of people they employ.
ASA LOCAL GOVT
By Mike Adeyemi
Ode Giwa Polling Unit ; Accreditation commenced by exactly 9am with the Commissioner for Education, Engr.Musa Yeketi the first to be accredited. In the same vein, other electorate came out en masse to perform their civic right. Speaking shortly after his accreditation, Yeketi expressed his delight over the compliance of the electorate in the community.
While answering question from our reporter he unequivocally affirmed that the outcome of the election will surely favour the ruling APC. He advised the voters to be calm and orderly.
Dongari Iju Polling Unit; Voters were accredited and election started simultaneously. Among the electorate was a member of the Federal House of Representative, Barr. Rasaq Atunwa applauded officials of KWSIEC for promptness even as he dislodged condemnation of the electoral body by opposition parties in the state.
Atunwa attributed the massive turn out of the people to the good leadership of Dr. Saraki, just as he assured of the ruling party’s victory in all elective positions in Asa.
“I have no doubt our people remain loyal to the APC and out of the 17 wards here, the opposition party only fielded seven ‘skeletal candidates’.
Alapa polling Unit; Security men met on ground around 9,10 am, were alive to their responsibilities as electorate in their large number waited patiently for their turn.
Speaking, former council chairman, Alh. Saka Obalana, said the APC candidates will sweep the entire poll in the state even as he implored the voters to comply with electoral rules and shun any act that could be inimical to the smooth running of the process.
Ilu Tuntun Polling Unit; The Senatorial Chairman of the APC, Kwara Central, Alh. Jimoh Adesina, said there is no opposition in the area. He stated that though other parties agents are present but APC remains the party to beat.
Adesina admonished the electorate to be law abiding and shun any act that could portray the unit in bad light.
Ali Ahmad calls for investigation of involvement of cultists
ILORIN SOUTH
Shortly after casting his vote in Balogun-Fulani I, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad described the process as impressive and sign of political maturity. He called for the investigation of some of the people caught causing trouble during the process.
“Our people are very politically matured. They take this LG election as presidential election. That shows that, the people are politically conscious.
“Those who play politics from the pages of newspaper, on the airwaves of radio station, they can go there and continue their politics over the paper and radio.
The Speaker was however alarmed, over the unprecedented incidences of snatching of ballot boxes, burning of electoral materials and confrontation of electoral officers.
Dr. Ahmad then enjoined the State Police Command and other security agencies, to investigate these incidences and apprehend suspected Cultists and thugs brought to the State, at the wake of election, to cause mayhem and prevent election from holding.
He particularly eulogised the APC members and the entire people of the State, for their resolve to maintain peace and support the current ruling party, as demonstrated in the outcome of the election
Okesunna
In Ilorin South, Okesuna polling unit, Hajia Funmilayo Salau said the election was very good and people came out in large numbers.
She said the seeming low turnout was due to the pattern of voting simultaneously with accreditation.
“Had it been people where accredited and wait to vote after some time, you will meet the large number of people here”.
She said if she emerged as the chairman, she will empower youth and women, health, education, environmental sanitation and take agriculture to the grassroots starting from secondary school so that, when the student graduated from University will be able start on their own.
ILORIN EAST
Rowdiness in Ibagun: In Asileke Polling unit 009, voting was still on as at past 1pm when National Pilot visited and the situation was rowdy.
Chairperson of the Local Government Service Commission, Hajia Sarat Adebayo said the material came late and the security men were not on ground. She said the election has been fair and noted people need to be patient.
At Ibagun 005, where special assistant to Governor Ahmed on Political Matters, Alhaji Bibire Ajape voted, security men where seen trying to curtail the situation.
Ajape said “People came out very well but the PDP try to cause trouble but our people didn’t reply them.
“We are going to win there is no doubt. We don’t have issue with KWSIEC because they brought all the materials on time.
Former House of Assembly lawmake,Alhaja Nimota Ibrahim praised conduct of the election and massive turn out of people at the polling units in Ilorin East LG.
She however advised that successful candidate at the LG polls should ensure good governance and make youth development their priority.
“The youth form 70 percent of the population in Nigeria. Therefore those who would emerge at this election must fashion out and implement youth development programmes and ensure welfare of the people is prioritized.
Magaji Ngeri
At the polling unit in front of the palace, the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Soliu Woru Muhammed shortly after casting his vote expressed reservation about the process.
He said “I was not satisfied. I came to my Polling Unit presenting my card. The presiding officer said they cannot see my name on the list. I told them if they can’t see my name, they have disenfranchised me.
“I came with my large number of my subject and as the leader I can’t vote and I have to preach peace to my subjects and we left before I was called back to vote that they have seen my name.
“If they can treat me like this who know what they will do to other people out there. In my opinion I think they are jittery about me. KWSIEC must be wary about the kind of people they employ.
Adeshina, Atunwa, others express optimism
By Mike Adeyemi
ASA LOCAL GOVT
Ode Giwa Polling Unit; Accreditation commenced by exactly 9am with the Commissioner for Education, Engr.Musa Yeketi the first to be accredited. In the same vein, other electorate came out en masse to perform their civic right. Speaking shortly after his accreditation, Yeketi expressed his delight over the compliance of the electorate in the community.
While answering question from our reporter he unequivocally affirmed that the outcome of the election will surely favour the ruling APC. He advised the voters to be calm and orderly.
Dongari Iju Polling Unit; Voters were accredited and election started simultaneously. Among the electorate was a member of the Federal House of Representative, Barr. Rasaq Atunwa applauded officials of KWSIEC for promptness even as he dislodged condemnation of the electoral body by opposition parties in the state.
Atunwa attributed the massive turn out of the people to the good leadership of Dr. Saraki, just as he assured of the ruling party’s victory in all elective positions in Asa.
“I have no doubt our people remain loyal to the APC and out of the 17 wards here, the opposition party only fielded seven ‘skeletal candidates’.
Alapa polling Unit; Security men met on ground around 9,10 am, were alive to their responsibilities as electorate in their large number waited patiently for their turn.
Speaking, former council chairman, Alh. Saka Obalana, said the APC candidates will sweep the entire poll in the state even as he implored the voters to comply with electoral rules and shun any act that could be inimical to the smooth running of the process.
Budo Tuntun Polling Unit; The Senatorial Chairman of the APC, Kwara Central, Alh. Jimoh Adesina, said there is no opposition in the area. He stated that though other parties agents are present but APC remains the party to beat.
Adesina admonished the electorate to be law abiding and shun any act that could portray the unit in bad light.
