-By Michael J. Ekokoruwe:
The 2023 conduct of election in Isoko South and North local government area of Delta State, has been adjudged to be the most peaceful as electorates turned out en mass and voted for the candidates of their choice.
Situation reports while monitoring the elections in some communities of Isoko South and North local government areas revealed that the people came out massively to exercise their franchise with the determination of changing the narrative with the power of their permanent voter’s cards.
In most of the wards and units visited in the area, material’s for the election arrived late, just as voting commenced at between 10.30am and 11.am respectfully.
At Irri Ward 11 unit 16 hon. Dickson Ebegbare, candidate for Federal House of Representatives under Social Democratic Party voted at 11.am and commended INEC for the BIVAS machines that worked perfectly.
At Oyede Ward 12 unit 5, the chairman of Isoko North local government area, hon. Christian Iteire, commended the electorates that were at the polling unit before 8.am and endured late arrival of materials, even as voting commenced at 11.am
He disclosed that the anxiety created tension as the people were under the sun, but was later resolved and commended the massive turnout of electorates in the area.
Speaking to Journalists at Eni primary school Uzere, Isoko South local government area Ward 4, the M.D / C.E.O of DESOPADEC Odio Bashorun Askia Ogieh, condemned skirmishes that disrupted election at Enwhe community, noting that the era of fighting and ballot snatching is over.
He urged the people to be peaceful, hopeful, steadfast and be determined to bring out peaceful electoral process that will enable government at all levels reset the country.
However, at Otor – Igho Ward 13 unit 3, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party for Federal House of Representatives, Pst. Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko and the chairman of the party in Isoko North local government area, Dcn. Godwin Ogorugba, urged INEC to improve on the BIVAS machines and manpower as one electorate was accredited for about 6 minutes before voting, which left the people frustrated in long queues under the sun.
They commended the massive turnout of the people and the determination to elect good leaders, just as they expect improvement in the governorship and state assembly elections.
Other areas visited were Emede Ward 5, Oleh Ward 1 and 2, Ivrogbo Irri Ward 11 and Irri Ward 10 among others.
