Terver Akase
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, accompanied by his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom, joined other voters at Ako polling unit, Mbabegha in Nzorov District, Guma local government area to cast their ballot in today's council polls.
The Governor addressed journalists shortly after he voted and responded to all their questions:
* His Impression of the Polls...
"I want to appreciate God for the wisdom and the cooperation of the Benue people to help us conduct this election today. As a law abiding citizen and as one who is committed to the rule of law and due process for my state and country Nigeria, I want to ensure that the democratic structures in Benue State are very strong. This informed the decision of the State Executive Council and the entire people of Benue State to conduct this election because we know that local governments are the third tier of government and just like we have democratic process at the federal level and at the state, local government too should have the opportunity to enjoy democracy. This is what informed our decision to conduct this election though at a very difficult time that there is no money to pay salaries as and when due but because we want democracy at the local government level. May be it will help instil sanity and discipline and make the council system more functional because here you are going to have representatives of the people who are going to be elected. I am happy that the entire state is today very peaceful in conducting this election. This shows the commitment we have to ensure peace for our state and I am happy that we are conducting the election."
* His Reaction to the Notion that the Election was One-Sided...
"I am aware that about eight political parties are contesting this election. PDP is not an issue. Their internal wrangling has nothing to do with the election. And I am aware that PDP also fielded candidates in this election and it is going on. So that is their own internal thing and that was why some of us had to leave the party because the party is not organized and I can't see it standing anywhere. In any case which ever faction that fielded candidates we were ready to contend with it because we as a party, the All Progressives Congress is ready to face any opponent legitimately and by law. We have done our home work. We are the only political party that went out to campaign and seek for votes so why can't the people vote for us. It is very clear. Which other political party came out to work the way we did. We launched our campaign in the three senatorial zones which I was personally there. Again, we went to all the local government areas and we went to all the wards. So we are sure of victory at the end of the day.
* His Advice to the People of Benue...
"Our people should remain calm and exercise their votes freely. There is no intimidation as you can see. Everywhere is peaceful today in Benue State. The election is going on and we don't envisage any problem but where there are issues or challenges, I want to assure them that adequate security arrangement has been made. So no one should take laws into his hands."
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