Apprehension In Ibadan Ahead Of Election

Following the declaration of public holiday today by the Oyo State Government in preparation for elections commencing tomorrow nationwide, activities were today completely paralysed in Ibadan and other parts of the state.

None of the state workers in the Governor’s office, state secretariat, local government secretariats and other agencies resumed work as students both in public and private schools also stayed at home.

Also closed down for business activities were banks, private companies and Federal Government institutions in the state.

However, newsmen are busy shuttling between the Oyo State Police Command at Eleyele and the state office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to witness the arrival of the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Saliu A. Hashimu as well as witness the distribution of election materials to all the local governments in the state.

INEC staff were awaiting the arrival of election materials expected to be brought in from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Meanwhile, residents of the state are worried about the plan to disrupt telephone network which they fear will hinder them from communicating with others during the election.

Most people who shared their feelings over this opined that it is dangerous as people will be kept incommunicado from one another, stressing that it will make it difficult to alert the police and other security men should crisis erupt anywhere.

They stated that crippling the telephone system in a state like Ibadan is bad during an election, urging the government not to do so.

They further noted that the stress Nigeria government subject its citizens to during election is uncalled for, adding that it is high time the convenience of people was considered always, no matter the event taking place.

They stated that the essence of the money spent on the election is not justified going by the stress that is accompanying the polls.

By Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan