Anambra Poll: Absence of Security Operatives In Some Parts Of The State Scares Election Officials…Observers, Impressive turn out at Aguata

By Charles Nwabardi

Lack of Security has halted election in Ekwulobia and Isuofia Areas of Anambra State.

Local observers have lamented that there was virtually no security  in all the polling units in Ekwulobia and Isuofia Wards, where they have monitored.

They also noted that because of that, polling officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were nowhere to be found.

Speaking with newsmen, Chief Chike Anyaonu, who spoke on behalf of local observers from Zyhara Foundation, said the lack of regular police and other security agents in all the polling units is impeding the election security.

“In all the polling units my team visited this morning, there is nowhere regular policemen were seen and because of that, INEC polling officials refused to bring down electoral materials from their vehicles,” he said.  

There was a large turnout of voters at the Amaesi Ward of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra at the Saturday Governorship election in the state.

Voters came out as early as 7.30 am until the arrival of electoral officers by 8.35 a.m at the ward, which is the ancestral home of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), candidate, Mr Valentine Ozigbo.

Voting, however, began at about 9:40 a.m at Polling Units 5, 11, 12, 13, 15 located at the Social centre in Amaesi ward, Aguata LGA.

Mrs Agnes Okoli, a septuagenarian, told NAN that she got to the polling point as early as 7:30 a.m and had to wait till officials arrived.

Okoli said the she was impressed with the peaceful manner everyone conducted themselves and expressed hope that it ended that way.

She said she was anxious to vote because it was her civic duty and that it was an opportunity for Amaesi to give Anambra their son as governor because one of the major candidate was from the Community

Nze Matthew Echeozor, said he was at the venue when the officials arrived.

Echeozor said he was satisfied with the guidelines read out by the officials and urged the voters to adhere to them.

The Polling Official, who preferred anonymity, confirmed to voters that both the sensitive and non sensitive materials including original result sheets were present.

The official said special attention would be given to the aged, persons with disabilities and pregnant women.

A combined team of Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel was seen ensuring there was order.