Gov Okpebholo Shrinks Edo’s Debt, Expands Development Through Prudent Financial Management

Tight Security, Low Turnout Characterize Assembly Election in Edo By Osariemen Idiaghe Low turnout of voters amidst very tight Security was recorded in all voting centers across Edo state in the house of assembly election. In Edo state, only the house of assembly election held as the governorship election will hold in 2024. It was observed that INEC officials arrived early with election materials as accreditation and voting went on smoothly with the BVAS machine functioning without hitches. At Eresoyen Primary school, Uhogua, Iguoshodin community in Ovia North East Local Government Area where the IDP camp is located, gunmen were alleged to have carted away all voting materials, BVAS machine while several people were injured. At ward 10 of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, a riverine community in Ologbo, election went on smoothly in until 13 where voters were seen waiting for their turns to cast their votes. At Ikara and Ajoki voting centers, voters were seen casting their votes peacefully. In most of the voting centers visited, it was observed that the enthusiasm and optimism that was exhibited during the presidential and national assembly election was absent as they expressed dissatisfaction over the outcome of the presidential election. "You can see that the spirit of the electorates have been dimmed since the outcome of the presidential election. Every time we cast our votes, our votes end up not counting and this is very discouraging, a voter lamented. Voters therefore urged INEC to allow their votes to count by reflecting the people's wish.