By Endurance Ikanone
The Honourable Member Representing Sapele, Okpe And Ethiope West Local Government Areas on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Developement Commission (DESOPADEC) Hon Julius Egbedi, has praised the electorate in Sapele for their exemplary behaviour during the council elections. The elections, which took place on Saturday 13th July 2024, saw a peaceful and orderly conduct, with voters exercising their franchise without any major incidents.
Egbedi, who expressed his delight at the maturity and civic responsibility displayed by the Sapele electorate "I am overwhelmed with joy and pride by the conduct of the voters in Sapele," he said in an interactive session with newsmen who visited him at his resident. "Despite the usual apprehensions that precede elections, the people of Sapele have shown that they are capable of exercising their democratic rights in a peaceful and orderly manner."
The council elections in Sapele were keenly contested, with various political parties presenting candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions. However, the process was marked by a sense of civility and respect among the contestants, with no reports of violence or electoral malpractice.
Egbedi attributed the success of the elections to the efforts of the electoral authorities, security agencies, and the political parties, who all worked together to ensure a hitch-free process. "The peaceful conduct of the elections is a testament to the growing maturity of our democracy," he said. "It shows that our people are capable of putting aside their differences and working towards a common goal."
The DESOPADEC member also commended the security agencies (DSS and Police) for their professionalism and impartiality during the council elections. "The security operatives deserve special commendation for their professionalism and impartiality," he said. "They ensured that the process was conducted in a secure and peaceful environment, and their presence helped to boost the confidence of the voters."
Egbedi's commendation of the Sapele electorate is seen as a significant endorsement of the democratic process in Delta State.
In conclusion, the peaceful conduct of the council elections in Sapele is a testament to the growing strength of democracy in Delta State. The exemplary behaviour of the electorate, the professionalism of the security agencies, and the commitment of political leaders like Hon Julius Egbedi all contributed to the success of the elections. As the state looks forward to future elections, the Sapele example is sure to serve as a model for peaceful and orderly democratic participation.