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Etsako Central: Oshiomhole calls for peaceful poll
The Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has enjoined the people of Etsako Central Local Government Area, where a crucial re-run election holds this Saturday to observe their civic duty peacefully in an atmosphere devoid of violence and rancour, saying that movement in the area has been restricted on election-day from 7am to 6pm.
In a statement in Benin City, the governor asked the people to be orderly as they come out massively to vote for the candidates of their choice, saying that the security of lives and property has been guaranteed. Oshiomhole also asked the people to refrain from acts capable of turning the state into a battle ground for mischief makers.
He did not mince words on his avowed struggle for electoral reform in a country where most elections are rigged and the people’s franchise virtually torn to shreds. What is important, according to Oshiomhole, “is for us to enshrine a process that will enthrone a free and fair election underscored by one man, one vote”, calling on the people to stoutly defend their vote. “It is not enough for you to cast your vote, you must defend your vote”, he said.
Said the governor while emphasizing the need to ensure that our electoral process is transparent, “We need to abide by the genuine wish of our people and avoid the practice of making mincemeat of their vote. Our inability to conduct free and fair election has seen our country’s image dwindling in the comity of nations, while small countries that we assisted in their civil strife like Liberia, Sierra Leone and Rwanda are forging ahead on electoral strides”.
While calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to be fair and even handed in their dealings, Oshiomhole implored the people to seize this opportunity of a re-run in Etsako Central to make a difference in electoral conduct. “We need to begin to entrust leadership responsibility to only those whose mandates flow from the genuine will of the people”, he said.
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