Despite the restriction of movement imposed by the Anambra State Police Command for Saturday’s governorship election, some residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha went about their activities freely.
The restriction, which was to last from midnight until 6:00 p.m., was expected to cover all roads in the state, including interstate routes. However, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that commercial vehicles were seen operating within parts of Awka, the state capital, while commuters boarded them without hindrance.
A similar situation was observed along Ogidi Local Government Area through Nkpor Junction, where transport operators and traders carried on business as usual. Security operatives were, however, stationed at major roads and junctions, including the busy Nkpor Road, to maintain order.
NAN reporters also noted delays in the arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials at several polling units in Awka and Onitsha. At Agwuoka Polling Unit 008, INEC staff arrived at about 8:40 a.m., while officials at Aroma Polling Unit 022 were seen setting up around the same time.
Mrs. Mary Fajoye, an INEC official monitoring the election in Awka South Local Government Area, said all sensitive and non-sensitive materials had been dispatched from the local council office on Friday. She acknowledged that some polling officers initially struggled to locate their registration areas but added that the issue had since been resolved.
At Amawbia 02, Polling Unit 3, Central School III, Awka South, officials and election materials were in place by 8:19 a.m., ready for voting to begin at 8:30 a.m.
The Presiding Officer at Polling Unit 3, Mr. Mark Kalu, addressed voters on the voting process, urging them to maintain order. He assured that priority would be given to albinos, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly.
As of the time of filing this report, accreditation and voting had commenced at Eze Chima Primary School on Awka Road. (NAN)
