Off-season polls: Ohanaeze hails INEC, security agencies

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies over the successful conduct of the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States.

The group made the commendation in a statement by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike on Tuesday.

Okwu said contrary to predictions by bookmakers, security agencies were able to provide adequate security before and during the elections.

According to him, “the feeling all over the country was that it was going to be a theatre of blood in the three states. Many people believed that blood would flow freely during the elections.

“However, security agencies were up to their responsibilities, such that no life was lost but for the unfortunate incident during the collation of results in Brass, Bayelsa State. We sympathize with the family of the deceased and urge security agencies to fish out his killers.

“In kogi State, we applaud the security agencies because many thought it will be a total battle of the Titans but at the end of the day a winner emerge

“We urge the political actors in kogi State to respect the will of the masses and join hands with the governor elect to move the state forward

“We call on INEC to ignore the call by few persons to cancel the election, the aggrieved persos should seek redress in court and give peace a chance

“Having said this, we earnestly laud the various security operatives deployed during these elections; though a few of them compromised, a greater percentage of them demonstrated a high sense of neutrality and dedication to duty.”

Okwu equally hailed the INEC for delivering what he called “a credible election in the three states.”

“We congratulate Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state and Usman Ododo, the governor-elect of Kogi State. We, however, urge them to be magnanimous in victory, just as those who lost in the election should accept the hand of fellowship.”