VOTER APATHY CHARACTERISE ASSEMBLY POLL IN ANAMBRA SOUTH SENATORIAL ZONE
REPORTERS: ALFRED AJAYI, NDU NWANNAH & CHIKA OSI
The House of Assembly Election in Anambra South Senatorial District was generally characterized by poor voter turnout with timely deployment of INEC adhoc staff and voting materials.
Radio Nigeria observed that Bimodal Verification and Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned effectively in most of the polling units monitored.
Two party agents, Mrs. Sabina Ezeasor and Mrs. Caroline Anolue, who spoke at Umudala Hall, Nanka Ward 1, lamented poor turnout of voters but noted that the process went on well.
The Chairman of Umudala, Mr. Emeka Uganeme, and a youth leader, Mr. Hilary Nwankwo, alleged that the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly polls affected the turnout of voters, while urging INEC to restore voter confidence by ensuring a transparent outcome.
The Supervisory Polling Officer (SPO) at Central School, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, Mr. Tochukwu Nwadike, said materials were delivered to the three polling units on time and the process was going on smoothly though without the presence of security personnel.
A Labour Party Collation Agent, Mr. Paul, who expressed sadness over poor turnout, said Ekwulobia Community carried out proper sensitization of the people to participate in the poll.
However, at Ofeiyi Hall Polling Unit 2, Umueze Village, Isuofia in Aguata LGA, a former Commissioner in Anambra State, Mr. Emeka Ezenwanne, commended the voters for coming out massively to exercise their franchise.
Mr. Iyke Ezechukwu told Radio Nigeria at Udo Polling Unit, Amaoji Primary School, Isuofia that citizens were disappointed with the poor approach of INEC to the presidential election.
At Uru Community Hall, Nnewi with 7 polling units, many voters were on ground to cast their votes.
Similar crowd of voters was noticed at Uru Township Schools 1 and 2 and Obiodogwu 023 and 024 in Umudim Ward 1, Nnewi.
Some stakeholders, Mr. Izuchukwu Ndum, Prince Okey Chukwuma and Mr. Augustine Adiekwue, said the election and security situation were peaceful and encouraging.
One of the Assistant Polling Officers (APO), Mr. Ebere Onuekwusi, was equally happy at the peaceful flow of the process.
However, Nkwo Agulu Market in Anaocha, Anambra Central District was in full swing of activities, while the election was in progress, a situation many respondents attributed to the disappointing outcome of the presidential and National Assembly elections.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
