Ahead of the local government election in Ekiti State on Saturday, residents have been urged to maintain peace in their conduct and avoid violent tendencies before, during, and after the polls.
The Commissioner for Transportation in the state, Mr Kehinde Ajobiewe, appealed specifically to commercial transporters to ensure peace prevails during and after the exercise.
The council polls are scheduled to be conducted across 177 wards, 22 local council development areas (LCDA), and 16 local government areas of the state on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
Ajobiewe spoke in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, during a meeting with stakeholders in the transportation sector.
He stated, “I want to appeal to commercial drivers and Okada riders in the state to steer clear of any act that could lead to a breach of peace before, during, and after the next Saturday’s local government elections.”
Ajobiewe, who noted that the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration has zero tolerance for any act that could breach the peace being enjoyed in the state, said that development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.
In another development, the state government cautioned residents against acts that may lead to fire outbreaks as the dry season approaches.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, noted that fire outbreaks are prevalent during this period due to the harmattan, associated with extremely dry and dusty winds that facilitate the spread of fire.
Olatunbosun stressed the need to avoid actions that could spark fire incidents, including indiscriminate bush-burning, careless handling of lit cigarettes and allied substances, mishandling of explosives, firecrackers, knockout bangers, and random storage of inflammable substances such as petroleum products.
While underscoring the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the people, Olatunbosun highlighted the impressive recognition by the Nigeria Security Trackers (NST), tagging the state as the safest in Nigeria in 2022.
However, he emphasized that the safety of lives and property is a collective responsibility, urging residents to promptly report any untoward actions to relevant security agencies for the safety of all.
