By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Saturday, described voters turnout in the local government elections as encouraging.
Also, accredited election observers said voting had been peaceful and orderly across the state.
The governor spoke after casting his ballot at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School, in Esan Central Local Government Area, where voting commenced early with electoral officials and security personnel on ground.
The governor arrived at his polling unit at about 10:24 a.m. and joined other voters in the queue before exercising his civic responsibility at exactly 10:40 a.m.
He then spent several minutes interacting with stakeholders before speaking to journalists covering the election.
He commended voters for their orderly conduct and said reports reaching him from other parts of the State indicated that the election was progressing peacefully.
“This election is very peaceful and it is going smoothly based on the feedback we are getting from the field,” he said.
“The turnout is very high. This is a demonstration of grassroots democracy. It shows that our people are interested in choosing those who will administer the affairs of their local governments.
“By the grace of God, a winner will emerge at the end of today’s election.”
He urged residents to continue conducting themselves peacefully throughout the voting process and to await the official declaration of results by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC.
