As Kogi State prepares for its Local Government elections on Saturday, the state government has called on citizens to fully participate in the democratic process. In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Friday, the government emphasized the importance of embracing democracy, highlighting the power of the ballot over violence.
Commitment to Law and Order
The state government reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order during the election. Fanwo stated that the administration would take all necessary legal steps to ensure a safe and secure environment for the election.
Movement Restrictions for Election Day
To guarantee a smooth electoral process, the Kogi State government announced restrictions on vehicular movement. “Vehicular movement will be restricted from 7 am to 4 pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024, to ensure a hitch-free Council Poll and safeguard the security of voters across all 21 Local Government Areas,” the statement read.
Security Measures and Voter Participation
Fanwo urged citizens to come out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote. He assured residents that security forces would be deployed to protect voters and maintain order. “The State Government has directed security agencies to strictly enforce the movement restriction and ensure that violators are punished,” he added.
Confidence in Electoral Process
The statement also expressed confidence in the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. The government urged all citizens to remain peaceful and make their voices heard through the ballot, assuring them that adequate security measures were in place.
“We call on all Kogites to participate peacefully in this important democratic process and make their choices known through the ballot,” the statement concluded.
