GOMBE State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.
The Governor, who spoke to journalists after casting his ballots at his polling unit ( Yahaya Umaru 101) Jekadafari ward, Gombe, alongside his 2 wives and other family members, also praised the large turn out of voters and their orderly conduct.
He praised the electorate for being patient even under the heat of the scorching sun. “It is a little price to pay for democracy”, he said on a lighter note.
He encouraged the citizens to maintain the orderliness which has characterized the elections in Gombe State so far. ” I implore our people to continue to be law abiding till the end. From the information I have received across the eleven local government areas, so far so very good. I have not heard any negative incident concerning the election today”, he remarked.
” It is natural as humans to have a few issues here and there which is nothing to worry about. As a peace loving state, a proper foundation for good and coordinated security arrangement has been laid. Our people have been orderly and law abiding”.
Concerning the conduct of the elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Governor said that the process is getting better but there’s still room for further improvements.
Specifically, the Governor commented on the newly introduced Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS.
“The BVAS is a good initiative. Many people have cast their ballots smoothly, just as I have also done. I advise INEC to continue to be more innovative until we have a fully digitalized electoral process and things will be easier for everyone”, he said.
Governor Inuwa noted that “If we continue with this digital voting pattern, things will be better for our democracy”.
He prayed for the overall success of the elections and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.
” Like I said in my statewide address yesterday, if all of us stay within the boundaries of the law, we will have a good ending to this electoral process and whoever emerge successful; we will all celebrate together”.
He praised the security agencies who were at the center and have also been moving around all the polling units in the state as well as the media for enlightening the public and keeping them abreast of developments of the process.
