Governor Alex Otti voted Saturday in the local government election held across the 17 LGAs of the state, which was marred by late arrival of voting materials.
Otti and his wife, Priscila, voted at their Unit 017, Ahiafor, Umuru-Umuehim Nvosi in Isialangwa South LGA, at about 12:19 pm, stating that he was impressed that people were coming out to cast their votes.
The governor said he has equally been monitoring the happenings across the 17 LGAs of the state, disclosing that reports he has gotten so far indicate that the election is progressing peacefully except for a few skirmishes noticed in some parts of Obingwa and Ohafia LGAs.
He added that security agencies have been directed to ensure that peace and orderliness prevail in all the voting centres.
“As soon as we got information that some people are trying to disrupt the election, we mobilised security men, and they have brought everything under control. So, I believe all is going well,” Otti said.
He used the forum to call on the Abia electorates to vote for credible candidates who will deliver irrespective of political affiliations, stating, “The point remains that political parties are platforms for running elections, and as you would notice, a lot of political parties have problems, but irrespective of problems, we have advocated that people should vote for candidates that are credible, that have competence, that can deliver.
“If you want to continue to enjoy dividends of democracy, if you want to continue to enjoy performance, then you need to vote people like that. I believe that this election would synchronise with that call I have been making because people have been also talking about it, that they are going to vote for people who have the capacity, and it’s a local government election, and we all know our people.”
Also speaking after voting, the Zenith Labour Party Chairmanship candidate for Isialangwa South LGA, Mr. Nwogwugwu Nnadozie, who voted at Unit 006 Amauha, Ovuokwu Ward 9, and the YPP Chairmanship candidate for Osisioma LGA, Chief Chidi Agu who voted at Unit 003, Umuobasi Amasaa Ward 5, appreciated the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies and other stakeholders for the smooth conduct of the elections.
In their reactions, some voters, including Mr. Chukwudi Adindu, who voted at Unit 006 Amaoha Civic Hall and Chintua Onyebuchi, who voted at Unit 004, all in Ovuokwu Ward 9, described the election as peaceful, free and fair, adding that the turn out was impressive.
Meanwhile, reports across the state indicated that the arrival of men and material for the election was late. Generally, election officials and materials arrived at some polling units at about 11 am.
In Umuahia, Isingwu polling units 101, 011, 012 and 013, the materials arrived at about 11.30 am, while at Aba, it was the same. At Umuahia ward 1, information indicated that voting started at about 4.00 pm.
While the voting was on, Abia roads were deserted and many shops closed; even as movements, both human and vehicular were restricted.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
