Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has called on the security agencies monitoring the elections to relax the security barricade in Benin City to allow voters to go to their polling stations to exercise their right to vote, lamenting the low voter turnout.
Mr. Obaseki made the appeal after casting his ballot at around 10:17 am at Emokpae Model Elementary School, Unit 19, District 4 in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The governor who cast his vote in honor of his wife Betsy Obaseki, who voted around 10:14 am, described the turnout as the worst downtown.
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki casts his ballot at 10:14 am at Emokpae Elementary School, Oredo LGA, Benin City, Edo State.
He noted that INEC moved some voters to voting units far from their homes, which discouraged many from voting.
“This is the worst voter turnout I have ever seen or experienced in this center. The extreme security measures adopted must be relaxed. As you can see, there is a total lockdown of the city, preventing people from exercising their civic responsibility.
“It is important that we have security during the elections, but it should not be overwhelming. The overwhelming presence of security men throughout the city is scary. Most people might want to stay away from their voting units.”
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki casts his ballot at 10:14 am at Emokpae Elementary School, Oredo LGA, Benin City, Edo State.
He added: “People whose voting units have been moved cannot walk to their new voting units. People would have to drive to where they vote, but with the type of barricade that has been put up throughout the city, they won’t be able to get to their voting units.
“I call on security agencies, while maintaining tight security, to grant waivers when people have proof that they are going to vote. People should be able to vote to allow more people out. Total security lockdown in the city prevents people from voting.
“I am encouraging the citizens of Edo to go out and vote as there is adequate security.”
