Residents defy police restriction of movement during election in Anambra
Some residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday defied the restriction of movement order imposed by the state Police Command for the conduct of the election.
The restriction, which was scheduled to last from midnight to 6:00 p.m., was expected to cover all roads within the state, including interstate highways. However, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that commercial vehicles were operating freely in some parts of Awka, the state capital, while commuters boarded them without hindrance. The same situation was recorded along the Ogidi–Nkpor route.
Despite the movement, security personnel were seen stationed along major roads and junctions in Nkpor, Awka, and other parts of the state to maintain order.
NAN also reported late arrival of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in some polling units in Awka and Onitsha. At Agwuoka Polling Unit 008, officials arrived at about 8:40 a.m., while those at Aroma Polling Unit 022 were seen setting up around the same time.
An INEC monitoring official in Awka South Local Government Area, Mrs. Mary Fajoye, confirmed that both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials had left the INEC office since Friday. She acknowledged that some polling officers initially encountered challenges locating their registration areas but said the issue had been resolved.
At Amawbia 02, Polling Unit 3, Central School III, officials and materials were already set by 8:19 a.m. awaiting the official commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m. Presiding Officer, Mr. Mark Kalu, addressed the electorate, assuring them of a smooth process and emphasizing that priority would be given to albinos, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
As of the time of filing this report, accreditation of voters had commenced at Eze Chima Primary School, Awka Road, signaling the start of voting across several parts of the state. (NAN)
