EU Observer Mission Commends Peaceful Polls
Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as security operatives on what he described as the improved and orderly conduct of governorship and houses of assembly elections across the country.
In a statement issued by Mr. Paul Mumeh, the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Mark reiterated the need for candidates and political parties to allow the wishes of the electorate prevail, saying “it is the only way to avoid rancour and acrimony in the polity.”
According to the statement, Mark spoke in Otukpo Ward 1, of Benue State after casting his vote along with his wife, Helen, as he observed that there was improvement in the conduct of yesterday’s elections when compared to the March 28 presidential poll.
The statement added that Mark expressed government’s concern about the safety of all citizens, adding that there were enough measures in place to ensure adequate safety of lives and property.
He urged all citizens to be agents of peace during and after the elections with a view to moving the nation forward. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) yesterday hailed the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Lagos, adding that it went well with the usual minor skirmishes across the state.
The relatively peaceful poll however witnessed low turnout of voters, a situation that baffled the Head of the Mission, Mr. Santiago Fisas.
Fisas, in a chat with journalists yesterday wondered why the elections of those closer to the people should witness such apa- thy!
According to him, governors and members of the States Houses of Assembly are closer to the people and their elections are expected to be accorded priority, rather than the presidential election that witnessed an impressive turnout a fortnight ago.
The Chief observer however expressed satisfaction that Nigeria was coming of age democratically. He said, “We are interested in the affairs of Nigeria because we are friends and what affects Nigeria will by extension affect us.”