Friday, 29th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search
Breaking News:

Voter apathy, calm in Akwa ibom rerun

By Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo and Gbenga Salau
13 March 2016   |   1:30 am
The Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly re-run election conducted in four local government areas of the state yesterday, was generally peaceful and orderly.
Presiding Officer, accrediting voters on Saturday, during Local Government Election in Sokoto. PHOTO: NAN

Presiding Officer, accrediting voters on Saturday, during Local Government Election in Sokoto. PHOTO: NAN

Also Low Turnout In Sokoto Council Election

The Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly re-run election conducted in four local government areas of the state yesterday, was generally peaceful and orderly, as there was no record of breach of the law.

The four local government areas, where re-run election took place included Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara, Ibesikpo/Astuan, Etinan and Oron/Udung Uko local government

The Guardian observed that, there was general voter apathy in all the polling units.

Despite the restriction on movement by the Independent National Election Commission, markets and shops were open and vehicles conveyed commuters, while the people went about their businesses as usual, making all the polling units to record low turnout of voters.

In Ekot-Ekpene village Council hall, unit 01 ward 01, only 42 voters were accredited out of over as at 12:50 pm.

However, there was no serious contest in Idung Oku/Oron local Government area, because of the last-minute withdrawal from the race by the APC candidate, Hon Victor In Okon, who also decamped to the ruling Peoples Democratic party (PDP).

Giving his impression on the exercise, the state Police Commissioner,
Mr. Murtala Mani said the exercise was orderly and peaceful, as there was no case of hijack of materials or violence in any of those areas elections took place.

Meanwhile, Local Government Elections in Sokoto State also witnessed low turnout yesterday.

When The Guardian visited some polling units in Wammako Local Government, the number of residents, who voted were few compared to the number of registered voters.

Some of the residents in a chat said there was low public awareness regarding the election, while others felt unconcerned about the exercise and could not give reason for abstaining from the exercise.

0 Comments