An octogenarian, Mrs Kemi Rabiu has tasked incoming Local Government Area administrations in Lagos State on keeping to their campaign promises.
Rabiu gave the charge in an interview with NAN at Ijaiye/Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) where she went to cast her vote in the state’s council poll holding on Saturday.
She said that whoever emerged as winner must live up to the expectations of the people.
“The local government areas in Nigeria now get their monies directly from the Federal Government, and so, there is no reason why they should not perform.
Rabiu said unlike in past council elections, the response of residents is encouraging.
According to her, although some residents are skeptical about voting, the candidates must ensure that election promises are kept to encourage more participation in future elections.
‘The councils are the nearest to the people and so, must ensure the people get dividends of democracy for renewed hope,” she added.
The Lagos council poll is holding simultaneously in 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.
LG poll: Edo electoral commission boss lauds LASIEC
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Mr Jonathan Aifuobhokan has commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for the arrangements put in place for Saturday’s Local Government election.
Aifuobhokhan spoke with newsmen at LASIEC headquarters in Sabo-Yaba on Saturday. The Edo electoral commission boss with his team are in Lagos to observe the election. Aifuobhokhan said LASIEC actually prepared well and is ready for this election.
“With the programmes we have seen and the activities we have seen, everything is well- planned. We are already learning some things and when it comes to the Edo local government election, we are going to replicate what is being done here.
“The level of preparation is fine, things are going well. We will surely do what we have seen here in our state. We will even invite LASIEC to tell us how they were able to get to this level for us to be able to improve on what they have done,” he said.
According to him, the election has been peaceful so far.
“From where we came out from, we saw that everything was peaceful, we saw some kind of enthusiasm in terms of voting.
“We believe everything will be peaceful till the end and there will not be any crisis. We don’t envisage any problem.”
LASIEC is conducting elections into the 20 Local Governments (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) in the state.
The election is currently underway across the 57 council areas and 376 electoral wards in the state.
Lagos LG Poll: Community leader emphasises importance of participation
A community leader, Mr Abdulfatai Owoyelu, Oluwen of Fadare Town, Mile 12, has emphasised the importance of participating in the ongoing local government elections in Lagos State, to encourage residents to choose their leaders.
Owoyelu, who said this while casting his vote at Ward D Polling Unit 119, Mile 12, on Saturday, urged residents to come out and vote for their candidates, especially those they believe could bring about positive change.
According to him, choosing the right leaders who can manage resources effectively is paramount during this current economic challenges and other issues.
“The only way we can make the needed change is by coming out to vote. This involves choosing the right andidate who can bring about the needed positive change for everyone.
“We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines while others decide our fate. We must take control of our destiny and shape the future we want.
“This is our franchise and we need to exercise it, a lot of people complain. Now, that they need to do the needful, they are no where to be found,” he said.
Owoyelu commended residents of the area for maintaining peace and calm in the community.
People were seen playing football on Alapere-Ogudu Eexpresway and adjoining areas.