By Kunle SHONUGA
Some residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State, including an octogenarian, have expressed optimism at the upcoming general elections, indicating readiness to perform their civic responsibility.
TBI Africa said the residents spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ikorodu, the residents urged Nigerians to elect only credible candidates into power during the elections.
Mr Moshood Arigbabu, an octogenarian, pledged to vote in the upcoming elections, saying, “by the grace of God, I will vote, because it is my civic duty.”
Arigbabu, a retired civil engineer, also urged youths to put the fear of God over and above every personal interests and vote for candidates who would do better for them as future leaders of country.
“Don’t sell your votes, not even for thousands of naira.
“The money will be exhausted but the trauma that comes with voting bad candidates is unending.
“You will be selling the future of your children, if you get carried away with gifts that politicians share.
“Let them hold on to their money while you vote for credible candidates of your choice,” he said.
Mrs Folake Arogundade, a teacher in Igbogbo/Baiyeku, also said she was ready to cast her vote, adding that gone were the days that votes did not count.
“I am ready and looking forward to cast my vote in the upcoming elections. I know who I want to vote for and I know my vote will definitely count.
“There is pride in carrying out your civic duty but with the way politics is been played in this country, one has to be extra careful.
“Our vote now matters in the decision making of this country, we decide who we want to lead us and if the person is not performing we vote them out,” she said.
Mr Oluwaseyifunmi Adomini, a microfinance banker, said he was ready for the polls.
“We are all Nigerians and it is expected of us to play our roles during this elections and not create unnecessary chaos.
“If we all do what is right and needful, we shouldn’t experience any form of violence whatsoever.
“Election is everybody’s business. Nigerians should decide on what to do, cast their vote, go home or stay around to ensure their votes are counted without creating any violence,” he said.
Mrs Akinfolami Adetutu, a food vendor, said that she already picked her permanent voter card in readiness for the polls.
She urged the electorate to use “this once-in-four-years opportunity” to elect leaders of their choice.
“Once again, we have this opportunity to vote out non-performing leaders and vote in new leaders and avoid unnecessary violence and chaos,” she said.
