Tight security as Edo elects new governor

News Express |28th Sep 2016 | 2,918

Security is tight in Edo State as the people file out to elect a successor to Governor Adams Oshiomhole. In Benin-City, the state capital, military personnel, mobile police officers, as well as operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies mounted roadblocks along the major roads and streets as early as 6am.

About 1.9 million people registered for the vote, in which Godwin Obaseki of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Osagie Ize Iyamu of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are the main contenders. The election was originally billed for September 10 but was moved forward based on security advice.

Reports from across the state speak of a peaceful and orderly ballot. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security operatives and voters arrived the polling centre as early as 7am. Accreditation and voting began simultaneously at exactly 8am and voter turnout is impressive.

There have, however, been some hiccups. One of them involved voters whose names could not be found in the voters’ register. One such prominent case involved High Chief Raymond Dokpesi of PDP, who after spending about three hours on the queue at Unit 8, Otoukwe, Ward 1, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, was informed that his name had been transferred to another polling unit. Dokpesi expressed surprised but went to the new polling unit, where he expressed satisfaction with the exercise after casting his ballot.

Voting is still ongoing.

•Photo shows High Chief Raymond Dokpesi on the queue at Unit 8, Otoukwe, Ward 1, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State . . . this morning.

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