Rivers: Voting materials, RSIEC officials absent in several polling units

The much-anticipated local government elections in Rivers State got off to a slow start Saturday morning, with several polling units lacking voting materials and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) officials.

A visit to polling units along Rumuokwuta, Oromineke/Ezimbu, and Command School along GRA Port revealed a striking absence of RSIEC presence and voting materials as of 8:55 a.m.

The halls were shut, with no indication that voting would commence soon.

Voters were seen checking their names on voter registers pasted on the walls, but there was no sign of electoral officials or materials.

Meanwhile, youths took advantage of the movement restriction to engage in impromptu football matches on the streets.

Partial compliance with the movement restriction was observed, with vehicles trickling through Rumuola, Rumueme, and Rumuokwuta road stretch.

There were no roadblocks or police and security presence anywhere in sight.

The elections have been plagued by controversy, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotting the polls citing a court order.

The situation remains calm but tense, with residents awaiting further developments.