Nigeria Decides: Osun Residents, Corps Members, INEC, Security Optimistic About Election

Several residents of Osun State, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have registered their optimism on a free, fair and credible election tomorrow in Osun.

A CAMPUS REPORTER reporter in the state observed that electoral materials have left the State INEC office to different RAC centres.

Speaking with CAMPUS REPORTER, Venerable Ojewande, the INEC Director of Voter Education in Osun State said: “All elections materials are at different RACs and by the grace of God between 6 am and 7 am, they will all be at their various polling units for free, fair and credible election.”

Some of the residents also spoke with our correspondent, noting their expectations for tomorrow’s exercise. Olaiya Hassan, a Nigerian citizen living in Osun, stated: “Osun is peaceful and we optimistic that a credible, free and fair election will be conducted here. We have seen police officers and other security men and certain that we are secured.”

Another resident who simply identified himself as Adeniyi, a motorcycle rider in Boripe Local Government Area, said he has no other duties to fulfil tomorrow apart from heading out with his family to vote.

“We are to decide our future tomorrow. There is high chance that election won’t be violent here. I will be out with my family to carry out the franchise,” he said.

In Osogbo, Jelilat Adeosun also opined that the postponement of the election from last Friday to tomorrow will only enable INEC to deliver better results.

“2015 was adjudged as our best election in this country but with the look of things, INEC can’t afford to play with their reputation,” she said.

Some corps members in the state who spoke with CAMPUS REPORTER also told our correspondent that they have received their allowances, renewing their vigour to serve the country.

At Union Baptist School in Osogbo, Muhammed Ibrahim, a corp member said: “I can’t speak for others but I have received my allowances.”

Another Corp member in the same school who identified himself as Joseph told our correspondent that he has also received his allowance.

However, a member of the NYSC known as Lanre said he is yet to receive the alert for his allowance. “Majority of the people here have received allowance. However, some of us are still yet to get ours. I’m one of the minority that hasn’t been paid but I’m definitely optimistic that we be done,” he said as he pointed to his colleague who had just received his.

The corps members also said they believe their welfare situation will be better this time around.

Finally, a security officer, Taiwo Ayofe, told CAMPUS REPORTER that they are ready to ensure that citizens and their rights are protected tomorrow.

“We are here to carry out our duty. We understand that the people of Osun are peaceful and are certain that election will go peacefully,” he declared.