Yakubu Busari
The spokesman of the Plateau state Civil Society Organisations and Coalition of Domestic Observers group Mr Godwin Okoko has said, they observed a peaceful and orderly elections across the nine local government areas where the supplementary elections were held and their members stationed in all the 40 polling units shows that the exercise went on free and fair.
Okokoin disclosed this during a press conference held at the state chapter of NUJ, Plateau State council.
He said the Civil Society Organisations and Coalition of Domestic Observers in the state on Monday said the supplementary Gubernatorial Election in the state was peaceful and orderly .
According to him, “We adjudged Plateau state to be the most peaceful and orderly state in Nigeria during the 2019 general elections” ,
Okoko maintained that where the elections were held and in the 12 Registration Areas Centers RACs and local government areas results collation center.
” As a group we observed that the early arrival of security personnel , there was early commencement of accreditation and voting by eligible voters , smart card readers in all polling units visited and from our stationed observers .,
Counting and coalition of results were done transparently, peacefully and orderly and final results were pasted on the walls / designated areas in the polling units visited and where we had stationed observers.,there were also heavy presence of security personnel and less presence of armed soldiers “.
“There was also improve turnout of women eligible voters in most polling units.”
“We appeal to all winners in the 2019 general elections especially in Plateau to be magnanimous in victory towards ensuring a better , greater secured , peaceful and develop Nigeria , we call on eligible voters to participate in future elections and all other form of electoral process .
“We call on all elected to ensure the provision of good governance and democratic dividends and for those dissatisfied with the outcome of election results to follow peaceful legal and constitutional means to seek redress.”
The group further called on INEC to immediately commence all processes of improving the electoral processes.”
We commend the good people of Plateau state; we commend the state government for providing peaceful enabling environments for peaceful conducts of the elections.”
The observers commend the good people of Plateau, residents and eligible voters for conducting themselves peacefully and orderly during the supplementary elections.
“We appeal to the Plateau state government to ensure the strengthening of peace and security structures in the states through the promotion of peace and strengthening of community cohesion structures provision of good governance inclusive participation , accountability , increase youth empowerment programmes , employment opportunities and youth / women empowerment .”
“We also appeal to the Governor elect Barrister Simon Lalong as a leader of the state to begin the healing of wounds,closing of gaps , division and polarization through the processes of reconciliation irrespective of party affiliation , we also encourage all good sons and daughters of the state to give a supportive hand to the Governor elect towards a stronger ,developed peaceful and united Plateau state.”
