We practice democracy at grassroots in Oyo State, Makinde says
By Adewale Owoade
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says the state is committed to practicing democracy at the grassroots.
The governor said these after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of the State.
Oyo state held election for chairmen and counselors across its 33 local government areas, to choose who would lead them at the grassroots levels.
Addressing journalists after exercising his franchise, Gov. Makinde said that the security report about the election had been excellent, saying those who witnessed any untoward development should report same to the security agencies.
“For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practice. This is almost our 5th year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people.
“For the people, accept the outcome, and if you see anything untoward as far as this exercise is concern, please bring it up to the authority and they will deal with it,” Makinde said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, Mr Isiaka Olagunju, with heads of security agencies in the state, were on ground to monitor the election.
NAN also reports that the election was generally peaceful at the time of filling this report. (NAN)
