Ondo: Akeredolu receives International Observers, expresses confidence in hitch-free elections
By Odunayo Odeja
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has received a team of International Election Observers who arrived in the state capital to monitor Saturday’s polls.
The team of joint mission International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) was led by Mr Rahul Srivastava, from the USA.
Other members are Marieme Soda Ndiaye, a member of the Senegalese Parliament (Senegal) and Jonathan Obatola, a field officer.
The team leader, who appreciated Governor Akeredolu for the warm reception given them, informed the Governor that the team was in the state to observe Saturday’s polls.
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The team also lauded Governor Akeredolu for his various giant strides across all sectors of the economy.
The Observers applauded the Governor for making the state the most peaceful State in the Niger Delta region through the establishment of the Amotekun Corps.
Welcoming the team, Governor Akeredolu said the people of the State are prepared for the election.
“I must say that in Ondo state we are prepared for this election. We have received news that over five thousand security agents; officers and men have been deployed across the state. I believe that should be enough.
“Because of a few misunderstandings of what Amotekun is, they have not involved them in the deployment. We still live in the stone age where you believe that a security outfit by sub-nationals will probably serve the interest of the Governors. That is unfortunate.
“We questioned, so, the Nigeria police will serve the interest of the President? Aren’t they deployed to serve people’s interests? And Amotekun is here to serve people’s interests. But we have told Amotekun that there is no problem, stay away from the polling units but be on the streets and be on the lookout for anybody who wants to intrude, you can arrest them.
“So, we can say we have double security now. Polling stations are to be secured by usual Police, Civil Defence and other paramilitary agencies.
“So, we believe our people are already energized to work and vote in this election. Those who are going to work are already there and will be deployed by INEC.
“We are also aware that all sensitive materials have been released to INEC from Central Bank, and they are going to move.
“So, I must say that it is our strong belief that this election will be hitch-free. It has always been free anyway. We have never recorded violence here except in our stone age if I can use that word. When we had an incidence where houses were burnt for one reason or the other, not even on election day.
