Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has affirmed that there will be no restrictions on movement during the forthcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023. He has also assured commuters passing through the state of safe passage.
Governor Obaseki made this announcement following a State Security Council meeting held at the Government House in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
In his briefing with journalists, Governor Obaseki emphasized his commitment to providing adequate security during the election and encouraged voters to come out in large numbers to cast their ballots for their preferred candidates. He assured the public that the state would remain peaceful during the election, with all necessary security agencies in place to protect voters.
He stated, “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.”
Governor Obaseki further emphasized the importance of peaceful participation in the electoral process, saying, “My advice is that as they come out to vote, they should do it peacefully. Election is not war.”
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Dankwara, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, affirming that security agencies are well-prepared and on the same page regarding the local government election’s security measures. He stated, “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.”
As Edo State prepares for its local government elections, the assurance of safe passage and the commitment to a peaceful electoral process underscore the importance of democratic values and security in the region.