Oshiomhole Lauds INEC, Police Over Etsako Rerun

Source: The Nation Newspaper Published:Monday, January 25th, 2010

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on Sunday applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police over the Etsako Central rerun election into the State House of Assembly.

He drew a football analogy, saying the quality of a match does not really depend on the intention of the players if the umpire follows the rules of the game.

Oshiomhole, who spoke to reporters after the INEC declared the results, noted that, “With what we have seen today, there is evidence all over the place that people still have plans and did all sort of things to undermine a free and fair election.

“But we saw a very courageous police force, officers and men, who are determined to uphold their oath of office and put the Nigerian nation first. We saw officers and men telling people to come out and vote and that they will be protected.”

He said giving people confidence that no one will harm them if they vote shows that the police can help ensure that the right people are elected.

He also gave kudos to the INEC, adding that under favourable and conducive security conditions it can perform like any electoral umpire anywhere in the world.

“Even more important for me is seeing these young men and women queuing under the sun. Some of them carrying umbrella waiting patiently to cast their vote shows that Nigerians have accepted democracy as a way of life.

“The average Nigerian believes in the power of the ballot, and this is the most important ingredient of democracy. Our people are not passive, they recognise and are ready to play their role to discharge their civic responsibility, to choose who governs them.”

Oshiomhole, however, noted that it is shameful that some of the political elite think the world would come to an end if they do not win elections.

“What we have seen today is that the country is not at the mercy of such individuals.

“With a courageous police and a determined INEC, we can rid the country of the shame we have all been wallowing in for the past years. This is like a mini match, a forerunner, like what we have to expect in Anambra State (on February 6) that only the people will determine who governs them.”

Comments

Sorry no comments found for this article

Your Comment

Full Name:

Email address:

Location:

Comment:

Todays News