Saturday’s Local Government Election in Anambra State was marred by late arrival of electoral materials and personnel, as visits to some polling units across the state by TNC correspondent revealed.
The State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC had announced that accreditation would commence by 8am across the polling units, but at Nodu Okpuno village hall harbouring over 8 polling units, materials, and ad-hoc staff were yet to arrive as at 11:25am.
Same was the case at Ikwodiaku Primary School, Awka, and other polling units in Njikoka, Onitsha North and Onitsha South LGAs.
However, when the materials and personnel arrived, the election was conducted peacefully.
There was also very low turnout of voters at the places visited which also included Central School, Mgbakwu, and Isuaniocha Secondary School, among others.
It was also observed that the restriction of movement announced by the Police was not adhered to, as markets and shops along the streets were opened, while commuters moved freely in their vehicles.
There was also absence of security men on the roads to enforce the directive, although there were security operatives at the polling units.
Speaking at one of the polling units at Mgbakwu in Awka NorthCouncil Area, the State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Comrade Obi Emeka Chukwudi expressed satisfaction with the turnout for the exercise, describing it as one of the most peaceful elections in the state.
Obi commended the level of youth participation in the election, saying that the young people have by their disposition, shown that they are capable of leading.
Mr Michael Maduneme expressed gladness that after over a decade, the state will be witnessing local government elections again, saying it is a step towards entrenching democracy at the grassroots level.
On the issue of voter apathy, which many attributed to the refusal of major opposition political parties to participate, Maduneme noted that no matter the grievance any of the political parties may have, they should participate in the process, and hope that in the coming years, things will improve.
“This has become a normal thing in Nigeria, for parties to accuse the electoral body of one foul play or another. This is because nobody wants to lose.
“I love the fact that some of them are in court. That’s normal so that they can express their grievances. But for this election that the ANSIEC is conducting, we are happy with it and we hope that it will satisfy the people’s craving for local government officials they can call their own,” he said.
For his part, a voter at Okpuno in Awka South Council Area, Hon Joseph Obiekwe Okonkwo adjudged the election as peaceful and said the people are expectant that the people will begin to see development in the rural places.
Earlier, the commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Patrick Agha Mba Chairman, exercised his civic duty by casting his votes at ward 3, Inland Town, Onitsha North in the ongoing Anambra Local Council Election.
Hon Agha Mba expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout and commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election process.
The commissioner noted that the smooth exercise reflects the maturity of the democratic system and Ndi Anambra’s commitment to ensuring credible local governance.
“The turnout is impressive, and I am pleased with the situation of things currently. The process is going well, as you can see.
This election turnout is because the governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has done well for the people of Anambra, especially Onitsha kingdom, including Okpoko, and he is committed to grassroots leadership and advancing the development of our communities,” Agha Mba said.
