Why we risked our lives to vote – Osun senior citizens
Elderly persons, including octogenarians, who participated in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election said they did so in the interest of the state development and pursuit of a better life for residents. In separate interviews with ABIODUN NEJO and BOLA BAMIGBOLA, the senior citizens said voting is a civic responsibility that should not be influenced by money, urging whoever emerges victorious to prioritise good governance, development and the welfare of the people
We want to enjoy dividends of democracy – Aminatu Asafa (80-year-old)
I am here in in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area to vote. It is basically because of the welfare and future of our children and the state. We expect what is good. We want to enjoy the dividends of democracy. Money should not be the reason for anybody to vote or not to vote and I believe my vote will count in this election and subsequent ones.
I believe in competence – Chief Tunji Agunbiade (81-year-old retiree)
I don’t believe in giving money for people to vote for one party or the other. I don’t think it is right for anybody to buy the conscience and political interest of anybody. I don’t think it is good for development.
I believe when my candidate gets to office, he will come with his programmes as contained in his manifesto, such as good roads, incentives and other measures to enhance the development of Osun State.
I seek better life for the citizens – Alhaji Owoso Lateef (78-year-old)
I started voting since 1993. I came here to vote, as I believe it is my right. Since I arrived here in the morning, everywhere has been peaceful. There is no problem.
Everyone is bonding. I was not offered money, and even if they offered me money, I wouldn’t have taken it. Anyone who is declared the winner should make life better for the citizens. Those taking bribes before voting don’t have the fear of God.
We want the best for our society – Olatunde Ibiyemi (85-year-old)
Vote-buying and the practice of stomach infrastructure will not contribute meaningfully to the development of society. As a person, like the elders here, I do not believe in stomach infrastructure (Dibo ko sebe). We are voting to get the best for our society. 2027: David Mark warns against manipulation of elections FUOYE denies VC’s arrest following Osun election VIDEO: Adeleke forgives opponent, vows Osun won’t return to darkness
Stomach infrastructure is just for the immediate. It cannot even satisfy the needs of those who believe in it.
Basically, stomach infrastructure has no benefit to society. It should be about voting for progress and getting the best. We are here to perform our civic obligation. It is what we are supposed to do for a good life and development in society and the state. All of us cannot be there, so we have to choose those who would be there to lead us through elections. It is our responsibility.
I don’t believe in trading vote – Pastor Olumide Abiona (70-year-old retiree)
Voting in Ilesa was peaceful but the BVAS malfunction was the only major challenge I encountered. I have been at this polling unit since 8:30 am. I think there is an error with the machine they are using.
I first voted in 2011, voting is a civic responsibility because it helps you exercise your constitutional right. I am a good citizen of this nation, and I should be able to exercise my voting rights.
I was not paid by anyone. Nobody gave me any money. It is not normal for anyone to want to vote for money. If you take money, whoever is ruling will not have anything to say.
If you take money, you have already collected the gains you are supposed to have from the governors. I want to advise those collecting money before they vote to stop. It is not good. It is not biblical.
The exercise is peaceful in this area. In fact, the arrangement is very perfect. Without the error with the BVAS machine, which created a little problem, all the other elements are very perfect.
I want to see better governance in Osun – Pa Odejide Mosunmoye (85-year-old)
I came out in my old age to vote today for the candidate of my choice because I want to see better governance in Osun.
I have been voting since the days of (Obafemi) Awolowo and I believe government cannot be perfect, but we have to do our best to choose better leaders. What will happen is in the hands of God, but we just have to play our part.
Bola Bamigbola
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