Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has commended the peaceful conduct of the local government elections held across the state on Saturday.
After casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Mbaguzo, Ashishi Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area, Mbah described the exercise as “democracy in action.”
He praised the orderly and calm atmosphere, noting it as the most peaceful local government election in the state.
The governor reassured his administration’s support for local government autonomy, emphasizing its importance in bringing governance closer to the people.
He also pledged to work with the elected officials, regardless of party affiliation.
Mbah said, ”The exercise is very peaceful. It started on time.
”This is democracy and it is a very important exercise because we are trying to elect people who will lead our people at the grassroots.
“The local government had always operated as an autonomous arm of the government. Our mandate is to ensure that our people are lifted from the level of poverty.
“We are going to support the local government to allow their programmes.”
On the turnout of voters at his polling unit, Mbah said, ”The voters’ turnout showed that people believe that the government‘s decision will touch their lives.
“People are becoming increasingly aware that government will touch their lives.
”People have resolved to choose those that will lead them. It must be done in a democratic way and we won’t take it for granted.
“So, if it’s a democracy, we must allow it to run as a democracy. This is a level-playing game for everybody.”
Meanwhile, our correspondent observed that generally, the electoral materials arrived very late in most polling units. Turnout, was, however, so low that in the majority of polling units, only a handful of five to 10 electorates were seen.
