Follow Us on Google
Ben Dunno, Warri
The gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections in Warri and its environs, especially and other parts of Delta Central and South senatorial districts witnessed an unprecedented voters turnout, with the elections conducted in peaceful manner.
INEC officials particularly the ad hoc staff and security operatives were seen arriving various polling units with electoral materials in Warri, Uvwie, Okpe and Udu local government areas as early as 8:30am for the voting to commence.
Unlike the presidential and National Assembly elections during which card readers failed and contributed to delays, there was a huge improvement as the electronic devices recorded high rate of performance in most of the polling units visited.
Large turnout of voters was common place, especially in the rural areas as the locals mostly aged men and women as well as the eligible young boys and girls came out in their numbers to exercise their franchise.
Apart from Ovwian Secondary School and a unit in Evwreni both in Udu and Ughelli North council areas where there was a minor disagreement between some party agents which was later resolved, the elections were peaceful even in places regarded as flash points.
There was an intimidating presence joint army and police patrol teams that were stationed at very strategic locations across the senatorial districts to conduct stop-and- search operation on vehicles on the road.
The military personnel were also seen embarking on routine checks on polling units within their coverage areas and thereby boosting the confidence of the residents who had anticipated a total breakdown of law and order during the polls.
Speaking to newsmen at Ekiugbo, Ward 12, unit 5, in Ughelli North council area, a PDP chieftain, Chief Fred Majemite, stated that he was particularly happy with what he had seen so far about the elections.
He noted that the large turnout of voters in the area was as a result of the laudable projects the governor had carried out in the communities and the people desired to reciprocate this gesture by voting for him en masse so that he completes his second tenure in office.
At Evwreni Ward 2 unit 1 in Ughelli North, Dr. Samuel Adjogbe, described the area as an APC controlled locality, adding that this manifested itself during the February 23, presidential elections when the party recorded a huge votes.
He explained that the reason behind APC domination of the area was as a result of the infrastructural and human capital development programmes the party had been able to do for the people of Delta Central through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the people were so much appreciative of the gestures.
In Olomu Ward 5, unit 2, Ughelli South, Hon. Taleb Tebite, was satisfied with the voters turnout and the conduct of the election, noting that people had come out to massively vote for him and Governor Okowa due to the love they have for both of them.
At Abraka in Ethiope West, the opposition candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Great Ogboru, reaffirmed his confidence in winning the gubernatorial election.
Speaking with newsmen immediately after casting his vote at Ward 8, Unit 1 at Abraka Grammar School, Abraka, Ogboru described his consistency in the race as a passion to serve his people, noting that he did not join the race this time around to lose.
According to him, “we have gone into the contest because we believe we will win and we will win.”
While saying that the election had been peaceful, Ogboru noted that there were pockets of violence in some parts of the state, alleging that elections were conducted overnight in private residents of some opposition leaders.
“We have it on good authority that elections were conducted overnight in Burutu and Bomadi local government area of Delta.
“There are pockets of violence here and there and the security agents are doing their best to calm the situation.
“In most of the riverine communities, the use of the card readers was not adhered to. In any case, this is just the beginning; so let’s see how the day ends,” Ogboru said.
“However, there is a massive turnout of voters across the state and we pray that everything turns out peacefully.
“The security situation in some parts of the state is good while in some parts, there were security lapses. We have reported some incidences to the police with the hope that they will take appropriate action,” he stated.
