LAGOS- Mrs Abodunrin Dawodu, Deputy Director at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has appealed for orderliness as voters cast their ballots in the ongoing local government election in Lagos State.
Dawodu made the appeal on Saturday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while monitoring the election in Ikeja.
NAN reports that the council election is holding across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of the state.
She urged the electorate to remain calm, follow instructions at polling units, and ensure proper voting procedures.
“Be orderly, queue where asked to, and make sure to collect the ballot paper and thumbprint on the party of your choice,” Dawodu said.
“Fold the ballot paper properly and drop it in the ballot box,” she told voters waiting to cast their vote.
She stressed the importance of a peaceful election atmosphere and cautioned voters against loitering around polling units after casting their ballots.
“The voters can wait behind if they want to witness the counting of the votes afterwards, and if not, I urge them to go back to their various homes,” she said.
“The role of NOA in the election is to ensure orderliness and to make sure that the election exercise is peaceful,” she said. “It is also to ensure that voters are well informed of the election process in the most peaceful atmosphere.”
Dawodu said that as part of its responsibilities, NOA officers were moving around various polling areas to monitor proceedings and address any early signs of unrest.
“Anywhere we see there’s an uproar or violence, we sensitise people on good conduct and the need to remain peaceful.
“By so doing, voters can help ensure a smooth and successful election,” she added.
NAN reports that election materials were seen leaving the Ikeja Local Government Council Area office for distribution to various polling units at about 8:35 a.m., accompanied by security personnel.(NAN)
