Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has announced that there will be no restriction of movement during the forthcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections in Edo State, scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obaseki made this announcement while addressing journalists after a meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House in Benin City, the state’s capital.
Emphasising the assurance of robust security measures during the electoral process, Governor Obaseki urged citizens to turn out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote for their preferred candidates.
Obaseki also assured the safety of commuters passing through the state as they transit.
He expressed confidence in the overall peaceful atmosphere, as security agencies are present to safeguard the voters.
According to him: “We reviewed the security situation, beginning with the forthcoming September 2nd local government election in Edo State. The local government election will be held on Saturday and one unique thing about the election is that movement is not restricted. People will be allowed to go about their normal activities after voting. Movement within the State and commuters going through the State will not be restricted.
“The security must be high. That is why we have met with the various security agencies to look at their readiness and preparation for the election.
“From the level of mobilization, we have seen what is happening across the parties and believe that there is quite a considerable level of sensitization. People will come out to vote. My advice is that as they come out to vote, they should do it peacefully. Election is not war.
“Enough preparation has been made to secure the people so that they can go to the polling unit, vote and go home. If they need to come back and wait for the votes to be counted and the election declared, they can also do so, but it must be peaceful.
Echoing the governor’s sentiments, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Dankwara, affirmed that security agencies are fully prepared for the local government election. noting: “We are prepared for the election and we are all on the same page with our sister security agencies and surely the election will be very peaceful.”
