Jutha Gupah, Damaturu
Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe state has been prevented to travel and vote at Bukarti, following Boko Haram early morning attacks on Geidam military base. Buhari is the country home of the governor, and 230 kilometres north of Damaturu, the state capital. The travel postponement; was announced in a statement of Abdullahi Bego, Director General, media affairs to the Governor, issued Saturday in Damaturu. According to him, the early morning attack on Geidam prevented the governor from voting at his home town. Continuing, Bego noted: “The security agencies would naturally seek to reinforce and increase security around the governor for him to travel to cast his vote at Bukarti. “The increased security around the governor will mean that vital security resources that are needed elsewhere in the state would have to be diverted and allocated to the governor.” The Guardian yesterday (Saturday) learnt that Governor Gaidam, in consultation with security agencies decided that it was more prudent and safe to make the sacrifice. According to Bego; “It is better and more useful for the security agents, including soldiers, police, civil defense, DSS, to focus their attention on providing security for the election than devoting large security contingent for the governor to cast his vote.” Gaidam, who is also a senatorial candidate in the Presidential and National Assembly election, commended security agencies for their effort to ensure a peaceful and successful election across the State. Alhaji MaiMala Buni, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Yobe, said adequate preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies ensured the success of the elections. He made the observation after casting his vote on Saturday in Damaturu. He said commencement of elections on time, adequate provision of election materials and security to the electorate made a hitch-free election across the state. According to him; “The massive turn out of voters was encouraged by the security apparatus put in place and the commitment to the preparations made by INEC. “The turnout is very impressive and the momentum should be maintained.”
