Janet Samuel, Abuja
The people of Kogi State have been commended for proving wrong all the predictions of crises and anarchy that would have taken place during the just concluded gubernatorial election.
A Cheiftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Momoh Obaro who made this known shortly after the conclusion of the election said contrary to the prediction of Nigerians, due to the history of Kogi state election that is categorized with crises and situation of anarchy mostly, the election was rancour free
While enjoining the public to always verify social media information to avoid fake news and misinformation that could deprive people of the actual fact, he noted that 2023 gubernatorial election was completely peaceful and electorate right were fully protected.
He expressed satisfaction with the citizens’ commitment to exercising their democratic rights, acknowledging their efforts to see to the peace and calm serenity experienced before, during and after the election.
“I think the exercise has gone very peacefully. The word “peaceful” here is crucial because, if you know the history of Kogi State during elections, they always come along with a lot of fighting and violence. The day has gone without any of such events, so it is a great achievement. I am quite impressed with the turnout; people really came out to vote. Again, the decision for people to come out and exercise their right to select their leaders is something I am quite happy with.
“Essentially, all the predictions of doom and crises have not materialized. I have not heard of any crisis. All the predictions have been proven to be inaccurate, and I see that as a great improvement. I am one of the community leaders around. I contested as the Governor of Kogi State 20 years ago under the platform of PDP. I also ran for the position of senatorial candidate in 2007.”
“I am a political leader, and I am someone who loves the community and wants to see progress. I live mostly in England, and I have come all the way from England for this exercise, showing my commitment. I am happy that I am here, and I have seen everything that transpired.
“I know there are people whose stock-in-trade is to disseminate information, especially with digital platforms and social media. You can see them in their corners creating and spreading information without proper verification. They may think they are creating a form, but they are, in fact, spreading a lot of misinformation. Human beings, generally, no matter the level of information we claim to have, are creatures of ignorance.”