ABONNEMA (RIVERS STATE) – Voting started late in Akuku-Toru local government in Rivers for the local government elections following a heavy rainfall.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abonnema, headquarter of the local government, reports that the rain delayed the delivery of election materials, leading to late accreditation and voting.
At Idama, a resident, Mr Tamuno Briggs, said materials arrived late and that the rain also delayed accreditation.
“We have voted and we are satisfied with the entire process. All is calm here and people are free to vote for candidates of their choice,’’ he said.
Mr Tubotamuno Dabiri, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Akuku-Toru local government, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that election materials arrived at 10.10 a.m.
“Accreditation was delayed because of the rain but it started again at 12.45 p.m. and ended at 2.40 p.m.
“We have not received any report of violence or complaints of election malpractice for now,’’ he said.
Mr Williams Bekinbo, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Supervisor for Ward 15, Ward 16 and Ward 17 in Abonnema, said the election was going smoothly in spite of the initial logistics challenges.
Another supervisor, Mr Nice Jacks, in charge of Ward 11, Ward 12, Ward 13, Ward 14 and Ward 15 in Abonnema, said voting commenced late and people were orderly in their conduct.
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“It’s been a smooth exercise here and we have not recorded any incident,’’ he said.
Similarly at Ward 11, Ward 12 and Ward 13 in Port Harcourt, the people defied the rain to cast their votes.
Mr Temple Chika, a businessman, said he had cast his ballot in spite of the rain.
“I am satisfied with the voting process here. No problem and it has been quiet here,’’ he said.
The Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Mr Ahmad Muhammad, said the police had not received any report of violence. (NAN)
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