NAN – Some residents of Lagos on Sunday lauded the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting free and fair elections in the country.
The residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the elections went on smoothly.
A Health and Safety professional, Mr Vincent Fagbolagun, said the introduction of the Card Reader also improved the electoral process.
“If we study the lapses very well and we improve on the gaps identified, I am sure it will take our elections to the next level which is a free and fair one to start with.
“Free and fair elections will take away violence and we will begin to trust ourselves knowing that when any government comes in place, they have to deliver to the masses,’’ Fagbolagun said.
He said the conduct of the elections would challenge elected officers to deliver the dividends of democracy to the masses.
Mr Nwere Chidi, a Local Area Representative of the Nigeria Breweries, said that though there was violence in some areas during the elections but the situation was managed.
“Before we were thinking that the elections will be violent, but nothing like that came up.
“We need job opportunities for the youths, whoever wins should provide jobs for the youth.
Another resident, Mr Micheal Okosis, a photographer, said that it took him five minutes to be accredited, adding that the process was smooth and fast.
“These elections have shown that Nigerians are beginning to understand the democratic system of government because people really came out to vote for their choices,’’` Okeosis said.
A trader, Mrs Ayantoye Iyabo, said that in her area at Railway Line, Ebue-Meta, Lagos, the elections was peaceful, saying that she voted before 4 p.m.
“We want government to provide stable power supply and the government should also improve on health facilities,’’ Ayantoye said.
A businessman, Mr Tunde Akanni, said he was unable to vote because he could not get his PVC.
Akanni, however, commended the efforts of INEC in conducting a free and fair elections, adding that Nigerians should continue to give INEC support to enable it achieve its aims.
