Osun poll: Group, lawmaker, commend INEC, security operatives

The Women Arise for Change Initiative, an election monitoring group has commended the large turnout of voters for Osun governorship election on Saturday.

President of the group, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, who gave the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ile-Ife, said the turnout of voters was impressive.

Okei-Odumakin lauded the readiness of the electorate to cast their votes, adding that the group deployed more than 100 observers for the election.

The rights activist commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the timely arrival of voting materials across the polling units.

Okei-Odumakin also commended the security agents for displaying high sense of professionalism in discharging their duties.

“Unlike what we experienced during the Ekiti governorship election, security agencies are very civil and polite in the discharge of their duties here in Osun and we want that to continue,’’ Okei-Odumakin said.

She also commended politicians for displaying high sense of good conduct so far in the election.

“So far so good. The election is going on smoothly without any report of ballot snatching or thuggery, ‘’ Okei-Odumakin said.

Also speaking, Mr Babatunde Olatunji, a member of the Osun House of Assembly, commended INEC for the timely arrival of ad hoc staff and voting materials at the polling units.

Olatunji (APC-Ife North) said: “Aside that the voters’ turnout was impressive, the process has been peaceful and electorate are excited to exercise their rights.

“The election materials arrived on time.

“I am optimistic that the election will be free, fair and devoid of any form of violence.’’