From SUNNY A. DAVID:
Reports on the 2023 general elections says that as at nine twenty-three on Saturday morning accreditation of voters and voting is yet to commence in polling unit 019 at Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka.
As at the time of this report, there were no INEC officials and election materials at the polling unit.
Many eligible voters who came to exercise their franchise were seen waiting patiently for the commencement of the exercise.
In his reaction, Mr. John Okonkwo who told our correspondent that he came to the polling unit at seven-thirty in the morning to cast his ballot regretted that nothing is happening there but maintained that he will wait until voting starts to enable him vote for candidates of his choice.
Another eligible voter, Maryrose Chukwuka who said that she had waited for about two hours, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to the Nation by starting the exercise to enable her to exercise her franchise.
At Nanka ward one and two in Orumba North Local Government Area there was a report of late arrival of INEC officials and materials.
Speaking to our correspondent on the development, a community leader in the area, Chief Emeka Ezenwa said that INEC officials arrived at the area with materials around twelve noon for the exercise which was supposed to commence by half past eight in the morning.
Chief Ezenwa who said that the exercise in the area is peaceful and orderly called on Nigerians to pray for the emergency of God-fearing leaders that will improve the living standards of the people.
There were reports of non-functioning of BIVAS machine in some polling centers across the State.
Meanwhile, a former Senator that represented Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Ben Ndi-Obi has adjudged Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections as peaceful.
Senator Ndi-Obi who spoke to Journalists after casting his vote in polling unit 007 at Oye Market Square, Umuogbu Awka observed that the exercise went on peacefully without rancour.
He commended the level of professionalism put in place by INEC officials and security agencies at the pooling unit and expressed the hope that the result of the elections will reflect the people’s wish.
Senator Ndi-Obi said even though voting started around 12:15pm in the area, the exercise went on seamlessly and commended the massive turnout of eligible voters during the exercise.
