Saturday’s local government elections in Imo commenced on a shaky footing with the late distribution of electoral materials but voter turnout has been impressive at the polling units visited.

Some analysts had earlier predicted apathy and low voter turnout ahead of the polls.

However, journalists monitoring the exercise reported that eligible voters turned out in good numbers at the polling units.

At Owerri, the state capital, and the adjoining Egbu, Irete and other communities, many voters turned out for the exercise as early as 7.30 a.m.

Also at the Owerri Municipal Local Government Headquarters, the main entrance gate was locked as at 8:54a.m., while scores of people, mainly voters and election ad hoc workers, were seen waiting outside.

At Bishop Lesbery, Irete, Mount Carmel Primary School, Emekuku and Oha Egbu Town Hall, Egbu polling units, scores of voters were also seen waiting for the arrival of materials.

There was also a visible presence of security personnel at all the polling units visited.

A prospective voter, Chizomam Etonyeanku, expressed disappointment that the process had yet to commence as at 9 a.m.

Mr Etonyeanku said, “The process ought to commence early to avoid dragging into the late hours, which gives room for manipulation and violence.”

Another voter at Akwakuma Girls’ Secondary School in Owerri North, Jane Iwuagwu, also said that people became interested in the exercise because of the recent Supreme Court judgement, which affirmed the local government’s financial autonomy.

“We are hopeful that whoever emerges as the chairman must be mindful that he owes a duty to develop the rural communities because they shall be accountable for the funds collected,” she said.

Mrs Iwuagwu prayed that the elections be free and fair and not marred by irregularities.

Normal business activities were seen taking place at some spots on the Wethedral, Egbu, Amakohia, Akwakuma, Orji and MCC Roads, while commuter buses went about their normal activities.

Also, at the Ekeukwu Market by Douglas Road, Owerri many traders opened for business.

At the headquarters of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Owerri there was a presence of heavily armed military personnel and other paramilitary agencies.

Speaking on the security arrangement for the polls, the police public relations officer in the state, ASP Henry Okoye, said the command deployed adequate personnel across the state. 

Mr Okoye assured the residents and electorate of their safety before, during and after the elections.

He said that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had moved to the field to personally monitor the security situation. 

(NAN)