C’River LG Election: Why There Was Low Turn Out Of Voters – Deputy Governor

by crossriverwatch admin

The general low turnout of voters that greeted the Saturday local government election has been ascribed to the rumor which made the rounds yesterday that the elections will not hold as scheduled and the fact that only one party, PDP fielded candidates in the council elections.

Mr. Efiok Cobham, the State Deputy Governor stated this in a live telephone interview program on Paradise Sunrise and election update on the state owned radio, CRBC and monitored by CrossRiverWatch in Calabar.

Excerpts:

Anchor: Good Morning Your Excellency

Good Morning: Double E

Anchor: Your Excellency you are on a Live Program on Paradise Sun Rise on CRBC

Dep Gov: Hahahahaha, Double E, I expect you to be here with me because this is your constituency

Anchor: Yes I know Your Excellency, I will join you to come and cast my vote by 12:00 noon.

Dep Gov: Ok

Anchor: Your Excellency can you please tell our listeners what the situation is like in Odukpani?

Dep Gov: You know this is Cross River, Odukpani is ok, I just did my accreditation at my polling booth and with time I will cast my vote. Everything is orderly and peaceful.

Anchor: Your Excellency Can you please use this medium to educate the doubting Thomases on the rumour being peddled around yesterday that CROSIEC will not conduct the local government election today?

Dep Gov: Well, I’m sure CROSIEC itself has cleared the air on this. It was about the judgement that had nothing to do with the conduct or the date of the election.

Anchor: What has been the turnout of voters like Your Excellency?

Dep Gov: Hmmm, Yes! The turnout is low compared to what we expected and I believe it was as a result of the allege rumour that the election will not hold. Also you know there is no contest in most of the council wards so people felt that whether they vote or not, the winner will emerge. However, there are some wards that we have some contest with PPA, APGA and NCP.

Anchor: What is the security arrangement like in Odukpani Your Excellency?

Dep Gov: You know this is Cross River, we are known for peace and we are proud of that. But we did not take it for granted as adequate security has been provided by men of the Nigeria Police, Civil Defence and other security agencies.

Anchor: What is your last Message Your Excellency?

Dep Gov: My message is that everybody should go out and cast their vote peacefully and let the popular mandate emerge at the end of the day.

Anchor: Thank You Your Excellency!

Dep Gov: Thank You Double E.

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