By Julius Peter, Abuja
The Chairman of Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Olarewaju Balogun, has praised voters for maintaining peace during Saturday’s governorship election, while urging security agencies to remain vigilant until the process is fully concluded.
Balogun made the call after casting his vote at Ward 11, Unit 5, in Ilesa East, where he observed that voters were conducting themselves peacefully and orderly.
He said the calm atmosphere recorded at the polling unit was a welcome development, especially following concerns raised in the days leading up to the election over possible incidents of violence and other electoral disruptions.
The council chairman noted that the peaceful conduct of the election was important in restoring confidence in the electoral process and presenting a positive image of Osun State.
“I see the people here, they are casting their votes. Everything is peaceful,” Balogun said.
He commended the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining order at polling centres, but urged them not to relent in their duties as voting, counting and other stages of the election continued.
According to him, security personnel must remain proactive to prevent any attempt by individuals or groups to cause disturbances or intimidate voters.
Balogun also appealed to voters across the state to shun violence, provocation and confrontation, stressing that the election should be seen as an opportunity for citizens to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
“My message to the electorate that are casting their vote is, vote wisely. They should vote, they should not fight. We are one family. Somebody will win,” he said.
He further urged voters to support candidates of their choice without infringing on the rights of others, noting that political differences should not become a source of conflict among the people.
“All we want in Osun State, we want a more developed state. So they should vote. Nobody should intimidate anybody for vote. They should vote whoever they believe,” he added.
Balogun called on political parties, candidates, their supporters and security agencies to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere witnessed at the early stage of voting was sustained throughout the election and beyond.
