Odimayo Applauds Peaceful Conduct of Off-cycle Polls

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful in Ondo State, Prince Jimi Odimayo, has lauded concerned stakeholders in the recently conducted off-cycle governorship elections in three states, describing the polls’ success as affirmation of the growing profile of Nigeria’s democratic experience.

Odimayo, a member of the House of Representatives representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency of Ondo State, made the remarks in a statement in Akure, on Tuesday.

The lawmaker, who is Chairman, House Committee on National Population Commission, stated, ” For the avoidance of doubt, the peaceful conduct of the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states has just demonstrated that Nigeria, the largest black population in the world, is growing in its democratic experience and looks poised to improve on the profile”.

He noted that while there might have been pockets of hitches at some places in the affected states, the fact that stakeholders in the elections largely played their roles as accepted by law, and that the elections were conducted and announced in a peaceful manner, was yet another plus to Nigeria’s growing democracy.

“I want to commend the governorship candidates and their supporters, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the security agencies and the Media, for collaborative efforts in ensuring that the respective elections held without any remarkable incident, thus boosting Nigeria’s rating in the comity of nations,” he applauded.

Meanwhile, Odimayo, who for the second time hopes to secure the APC governorship ticket in Ondo State, ahead of the November 2024 governorship election, said he was optimistic of fair play and peaceful conducts, as the Southwest state warms up for its turn of a gubernatorial poll.

“From all indications, the people of Ondo State are far advanced in their democratic behaviour and are people who crave for rapid development; and for these reasons, we all look forward to rancour-free participation of all stakeholders as the political parties move to emerge with their governorship candidates”, he stressed.

Prince Odimayo also commended what he described as the emulatable leadership style of President Bola Tinubu in weaning himself from all forms of partisanship in the administration of the country.

“The President has perhaps without him realising it, warmed himself to the heart of the people by giving Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, opportunity to bring what they have to the table, in terms of development.

“While it is true that we are facing hardship arising from the current inescapable economic measures, I urge Nigerians to persevere, as President Tinubu purposely aspired to the Office to restore economic prosperity, human empowerment, and infrastructural growth”.

On the performance index of the National Population Commission, Odimayo said the House Committee had been up and doing in its oversight function in monitoring the performance of the Commission, ahead of another census targeted at human development and the national growth rate.

“For instance, the House of Representatives Committee on National Population Commission, which I chair, recently, engaged in a significant interaction with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

“The meeting was part of the committee’s oversight responsibilities and aimed to discuss ways to collaborate in fulfilling the agency’s mandate.

“During the session, the committee emphasised the importance of cooperation to effectively carry out NIMC’s mission. This collaboration is essential in ensuring the success of the agency’s efforts” the lawmaker recounted.