[size=14pt]Fashola, Ribadu vote, commend poll exercise [/size]
Our Correspondents09/04/2011 15:28:00

President Goodluck Jonathan was among the early voters today as Nigerians turned out in large numbers to elect members of the National Assembly. The president voted at the polling unit near his country home in Otuoke, Bayelsa state.

Lagos state governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, his Delta State counterpart, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Action Congress of Nigeria Presidential candidate, Nuhu Ribadu, former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida were among eminent Nigerians that participated in the voting exercise in their respective polling units.

Speaking after voting, Governor Fashola condemned the Bomb blast on the eve of the National Assembly election at Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Suleja Niger state, saying that only credible elections can atone for the lives of victims of the incidence.

Governor Fashola who stated this while addressing reporters shortly after casting his vote at Ward G3 State Senior Grammar School, Iponri Surulere, expressed sadness that the lives of young and innocent Youth Corps members who were beginning to show interest in participating in national development could be the target of this wicked act.

According to him, “I think that’s the most unfortunate incident, it grieves my heart very very deeply that for me, this democracy is about the future, its about that generation of people, it’s about young people, youth corps’ member just about to start out a life.

“ I connect so deeply with them, I remember my life as a corps member getting ready for life, we haven’t gotten elections right too long, we entrusted them with this responsibility, they gave us a voters register that was of some acceptance quality compared to what we had and that showed you how ready young people were to begin to participate in national development and I think it’s very very sad in our apparent inability to resolve conflict peacefully.

“We sacrificed them for our own selfish reasons. It’s very painful, one just prays that their death would not just be in vain and something positively would come out of these elections as in some way atoning for the sacrifice, nothing really can atone for it.”

The governor also commended on the turnout and peaceful conduct of voters which he said was quite impressive compared to what was obtained last Saturday calling on all Lagosians to give the same commitment to the presidential, State Assembly and Gubernatorial elections coming up later this month.

“I have voted, the exercise in this polling unit has been hitch free and we are waiting for feedback from other polling units so that we can collate and see the overall picture of what has transpired today. I liken this exercise to fresh pilots going on their test flights. Last week, we had an aborted flight, the crew is ready today, the pilot is ready, the passengers are on board and I think the aircraft has lifted appropriately so let’s wait for the touchdown at the point of safe habour”.

At the Ward G where the governor voted, 316 persons were accredited out of the 870 that registered at the ward as against 273 accredited before the botched elections of last week.

However, only 240 were present during the physical count shortly before the commencement of the voting process which started exactly 12:30pm.

Governor Fashola along with his wife were the first persons to vote at the ward.

Prior to the accreditation exercise, Mrs. Adeola David, a woman leader within the community, with another resident, Chima Onyebuchi took it upon themselves to alert residents to come out and get accredited.

The duo who carried out the sensitization journey across the adjoining streets close to the ward on a motorcycle, also known as okada rang a bell to arouse the attention of the residents.

“We are doing this so that people can come out and perform their civic responsibility and cast their votes for credible leaders. The INEC officials have been here since 8am, but only few people have turned up to get accredited and very soon it would end”.

Governor Fashola while responding to the 76 accredited voters who were absent at the head count at his ward said, “I think the electoral umpire had made it clear before now that only those present during the head count would vote and that is exactly what they have done. I think people should learn to follow the rules and regulations, its part of the process and responsibility on our part to comply to ensure hitch free and fast voting process”.

Meanwhile, The Nation’s observation across, Surulere, Ikeja areas went on peacefully, as voters queued up and waited for their turn to cast their votes.

In Kaduna state, late arrival of materials in Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna metropolis almost marred the conduct of the election in the state, with materials getting to the area at about 1.30 pm.

The polling officers in the area however resorted to direct accreditation and voting since the time for accreditation was already over before the materials and officials arrived the area.

There was however high turnout of eligible voters at the various polling units visited within the metropolis with accreditation going on smoothly while the state governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa was accredited at his Fada Kagoma ward at about 10.15 am, while Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo was accredited at 11.45am.

However, the Vice President returned to the polling unit to cast his vote at exactly 2.20pm, while Governor Yakowa voted at his Fadan Kagoma ward at 12.45pm.

Adhoc staff such as Youth Corp members did not turn up for the exercise in parts of Chikun local government area.

There was also high presence of security personnel within the metropolis even as some part of the town was without much security presence, while children converted the road to playing field in Kakuri area of the metropolis while accreditation was yet to commence in Zango Kataf local government.

Soldiers and mobile police personnel however arrested some people who were walking about aimlessly and made them to do frog jump on the way.

In Tudun Wada area of the metropolis, youths drove around on motor bikes changing CPC slogan, while in Barnawa, the exercise was went on smoothly with voting commencing early enough.

The President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu told The Nation that there was a great improvement on the turn out of the exercise today as against what it was last week, adding that there was great enthusiasm on the part of the people to perform their civic responsibilities.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for taking the initiative to create baby units for the smooth accreditation of people for the exercise and expressed satisfaction with the orderly nature of the exercise.

The immediate past Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna state, Rev. Joseph Hayab told The Nation that despite initial hitches earlier in the day, the exercise was going on peacefully.

Hayab however said that even though there was great enthusiasm on the part of the people, majority of voters have refused to turn out for the exercise while waiting for the Presidential and Governorship elections.

He noted that “what I have seen is that many people did not turn up for this exercise. They are waiting for the presidential and governorship election maybe because those are the ones that have direct bearing on them.

“In this polling unit for example, we have over 1200 registered voters, but less than 500 people came out to be accredited and I am not sure all that will come out to vote. But all together, the exercise is moving on smoothly”.

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/33259.html?print

So very transparent.
Give it up to GEJ and PDP

Lol

Give it up for JEGA and GEJ-A! Lol

Goodluck to Nigeria.

Shameless display of hypocrisy by the duo of Beaf & Odunnu. The same people who aggressively asserted that culpability of the botched NASS polls last week should be solely borne by JEGA and that goodluck is independent of JEGA's failure

See them shamelessly laying claim to the polls success?

strange fellas!

Jon.Bee:

Shameless display of hypocrisy by the duo of Beaf & Odunnu. The same people who aggressively asserted that culpability of the botched NASS polls last week s[b]hould be solely borne by JEGA and that goodluck is independent of JEGA's failure[/b]

See them shamelessly laying claim to the polls success?

strange fellas!

Very true

Jon.Bee:

Shameless display of hypocrisy by the duo of Beaf & Odunnu. The same people who aggressively asserted that culpability of the botched NASS polls last week s[b]hould be solely borne by JEGA and that goodluck is independent of JEGA's failure[/b]

See them shamelessly laying claim to the polls success?

strange fellas!

Very true

If everything remains transparent, free and fair, GEJ certainly will get some commendation

But lets wait till the end of the whole election because PDP is capable of giving us another 'Oye Ekiti' results anytime.

OAM4J:

If everything remains transparent, free and fair, GEJ certainly will get some commendation

But lets wait till the end of the whole election because PDP is capable of giving us another 'Oye Ekiti' results anytime.

I hope ur feelings about GEJ will remain the same IF he emerges the winner of the presidential race.

Basseti:

I hope your feelings about GEJ will remain the same IF he emerges the winner of the presidential race.

If GEJ wins transparently & credibly in a free and fair election, I will be the 1st to congratulate him and take my position among the opposition team.

And if he performs woefully again, I will shame those of you that voted for him. That is what democracy is all about.

OAM4J:

If GEJ wins transparently & credibly in a free and fair election, I will be the 1st to congratulate him and take my position among the opposition team.

I am not excited about the prospects of both forerunners.

But yeah, I hope that whoever comes out the winner, does it in a free and fair manner that will be appreciated by all and sundry. I hope the party that do lose dont cook up some story to stir trouble. I just dont want us going the Ivory Coast route.

OAM4J:


And if he performs woefully again, I will shame those of you that voted for him. That is what democracy is all about.

I want to assume that if he performs woefully, all Nigerians lose. That includes you, my man.

I think even the most unrepentant critic will agree that safe for a few skirmishes here and there, the elections so far have been. . . ok

Mai Suya:

I think even the most unrepentant critic will agree that safe for a few skirmishes here and there, the elections so far have been. . . ok

Too early my dear. . . let's just wait till all the reports and results are in.

Jaw-dropping hypocrisy on display by Odunnu and Beaf. . I remember last week these two trying endlessly to absolve GEJ of any blame regarding the delayed elections. . . Now he takes the praise for free and fair elections.

How do show so much bias in public? Do something with your time people. This is bang out of order.

Its called progress. GEJ has the vision and dedication to set Nigeria on the path to realisation and development.
GEJ is Nigeria's gateway to greatness. His defeat of the cabal and its sectional interests will begin our countries cleansing; it will open the path for leadership talent like the Sule Lamido's, Amaechi's, Akpabios's, Chime's, Fashola's, Utomi's etc to be able to contest by merit on a level playing field, in elections that are free and fair.

Nigeria needs the cool, calm, wise and reassured head that sits on Jonathans shoulders. He alone has the diplomatic nous and social dexterity needed to weld the disparate parts of Nigeria into one indivisible union with shared goals and ideals.

Of all the candidates, GEJ is the only one to display a grasp of the tools required for our technological development. From ideas to set 1% of our GDP aside for Research and Development in science and technology, to siezing control of petroleum industry from foreign parasites and spongers (like Shell) through far reaching programmes like the gas master-plans and petroleum industry bill (PIB); all of these amongst others. A truly great guy!

[size=42pt]Fresh Air 2011!![/size]

www.nairaland.com/attachments/396240_JonathanNigeria_jpge7a36aa6bc0c2d1c59341bf005b3e97c

^^^

Keep on fighting the [b]GOOD [/b]fight my brother.

And I like the pic.
www.nairaland.com/attachments/396240_JonathanNigeria_jpge7a36aa6bc0c2d1c59341bf005b3e97c

I like how Beaf carefully avoids defending his wrong doings . . . It's legendary.

Beaf is correct. You cannot blame Jonathan each time INEC has logistical problems. But if INEC manages to hold peaceful, free and fair elections in Nigeria, despite any preliminary hitches, THEN YES OF COURSE, MR PRESIDENT MUST TAKE CREDIT.

If you failed one paper but passed 6 subjects overall out of 7 in an exam, your parents/teachers/school will certainly take the credit for your success.

Doesn't mean they take the blame for the one paper you flunked.

Rossikk:

Beaf is correct. You cannot blame Jonathan each time INEC has logistical problems. But if INEC manages to hold peaceful, free and fair elections in Nigeria, despite any preliminary hitches, THEN YES OF COURSE, MR PRESIDENT MUST TAKE CREDIT.

If you failed one paper but passed 6 subjects overall out of 7 in an exam, your parents/teachers/school will certainly take the credit for your success.

Doesn't mean they take the blame for the one paper you flunked.

Word.
GEJ has given his word, provided the tools and delivered. Jega had no reason to fail last week, because GEJ had given him all that he required; he was also shortlisted from a bunch of highly independent individuals that GEJ knew would deliver his dream of free and fair elections for the country.

Welldone GEJ, welldone Jega. A standard has been created for elections by men who truly care for the country.

@Ezeuche. Thanks.

Hypocrisy

Beaf! every one was looking for you to commiserate earlier?? where were you ? or na Bat Man you be as bat only dey show after sun set How do you see the humiliation of PDP/GEJ in the north today? hehehehe Block Head

Beaf is still busy rigging for PDP in Akwa Ibom , So he is gonna during the election period. so don't expect a lot of posting from for now

I think Goodluck is not smart enough to lead us to greatness. He can only answer 'yes sir' to Godfathers and we will keep going down as a country.
WE WANT BUHARI WHO LISTEN TO HIS JUNIORS LIKE IDIAGBON AND OUR COUNTRY WILL RECOVER

[flash=400,355]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc36_RN6624?fs=1&hl=en_US[/flash]

EPOMA:

Beaf is still busy rigging for PDP in Akwa Ibom , So he is gonna during the election period. so don't expect a lot of posting from for now

I think Goodluck is not smart enough to lead us to greatness. He can only answer 'yes sir' to Godfathers and we will keep going down as a country.
WE WANT BUHARI WHO LISTEN TO HIS JUNIORS LIKE IDIAGBON AND OUR COUNTRY WILL RECOVER

[size=16pt]DOUBLE ERROR [/size]

@jmaine
LOL

@Beaf, we have been looking every where for you. How Market ?
I commend GEJ for letting JEGA do his job without interferance !

If pikin no sabi book, blame the mama
if pikin sabi book, praise papa

Hypocrisy.

@ Beaf.

Please go and comment on the results being released and stop using the brain God has given you negatively.

Gej may be a good man but he hasn't gotten what we need now in a leader and Nigerians are speaking.

In any case, no matter how good you are , in PDP you get corrupted.

The way they transformed  Engineer Killa, an urbane gentleman, an Engineer of international repute to a Gun tooting senator still baffles me.

Sai BB

But sincerely, in your opinions, who should take the credit for this largely credible, free and fair national assembly poll other than the ordinary citizens that galvanized public opinion in the first instance??