By current matters
The October 5 Local Government Council election has commenced in earnest in Rivers state.
No fewer than 10 political parties are fielding candidates in the election taking place across the twenty three local government areas of the state.
In Etche, voting began about 9am across the 19 wards of the local government. Some polling units and wards have already concluded the process, a former Commissioner of Information and former member of the National Assembly,Hon Ogbonna Nwuke said to current matters.
Nwuke noted that the process was peaceful, fair and credible.
In neighbouring Omuma Local Government, voters also filed out of their homes to take their turns at the polling units to exercise their franchise.
When asked what the election meant to him,an indigene of Eberi who pleaded anonymity said, I had to vote because this election is about development of the people at the grassroots. I may not be a direct beneficiary of the system but at least, if the council embarks on sustainable projects since allocation is coming direct to the councils, the people will benefit, he said.
For Eleme, the mood is that of triumph. The turn out was massive across the 10 wards and 233 units of the Local Government Area.
A Chieftain of a popular political party, Ambassador Oji Ngofa when contacted by current matters said voting ongoing. ” I have voted” he said.
Voting is also taking place in Okrika Local Government Area, current matters reports that an incident of ballot box snatching took place but the fellow was caught in the act and beaten up thoroughly,a local simply called “Iyo” said.
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Voting has concluded in several polling units. current matters encountered some elders in Aluu community who said they have cast their votes. “Many others have also voted Now,we are dancing” Gwo,Gwo Gwo Gwom. One of them enthusiastically said.
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In Obio Akpor, there is palpable fear as some voters who came out were forced to go home by irate youths. However, it was gathered that voting took place to elect council’s principal officers in some wards in the LGA.
In Port Harcourt Local Government Area, the atmosphere is peaceful. Ward 6 comprising Amadi Ama,Abuloma and other communities are enjoying the mood of the day. Frank,a resident of Abuloma told current matters, “This is what we call Democracy” see,no police, but the people are not afraid to come out to vote. “He said
Earlier in the day, a section of the state secretarial of All Progressives Congress APC was razed by suspected arsonists with the help of IEDs, current matters gathered.
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