Learn from botched NASS election, Mimiko advises INEC

Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to learn from its experience which led to the postponement of Saturdays National Assembly election so that the electorate can exercise their franchise.The governor in a state-wide broadcast in Akure said that though the government had noted the explanation of INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega for the postponement of the polls, lessons should have been learnt.He said: We hope INEC will have learnt the necessary lessons from this experience and ensure that there are no further impediments that frustrate the ability of the people to exercise their franchise.The governor while expressing sympathy with the people, who he noted defied the blazing early morning sun to queue up for accreditation only for their efforts to be aborted midway, urged them not to be deterred by occasional challenges or seeming obstacles to the conclusion of the election.Mimiko said,I hereby call for calm and restraint on the part of our people so that elections can still take place in an atmosphere of peace and order. Reports reaching us from across the state indicated that you heeded our clarion call to troop out to vote and we are happy you did not give in to intimidation and harrasment by hoodlums sponsored by some anti-democratic elements.At this juncture, I enjoin you to be tenacious and vigilant in protecting your votes and ensure that your votes count. I know you are not new to exhibiting a tenacity of purpose for a cause; you are no strangers to the pursuit of electoral sanctity and certainly, you are no aliens to the long distance race for our democratic consolidation.
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