Mixed reactions trails Anambra guber election
NEWS DIGEST – Ahead of the Anambra election fixed for tomorrow, residents of the state have decided to stay back in their homes, despite the cancellation of the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), yesterday.
Recall that last week, IPOB had ordered a sit-at-home should their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was not released by the 4th of November.
Yesterday, according to the IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, he disclosed the cancellation to allow residents of the state to participate in the election and advised voting candidates of their choice.
As observed in Anambra by this reporter at the late hour of yesterday and early hours of today, roads were lonely while shops, schools, places of religious activities were under lock. A visit to fuel stations, restaurants, hospitals showed the residents and business owners did not open for any economic and humanitarian activities.
A visit to places such as the popular Nnamdi Azikwe University in Ifite, Egbadu and Onitsha areas in the state show economic activities lockdown as most business owners and transportation companies were closed down.
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Meanwhile, vehicular movement and people were not stopped by any operative as observed today. It was only notices that most had chose to stay indoor.
It was also observed that most of the residents were not informed about the cancellation of the sit-at-home order.
In an interview with one of the residents of the state, Chike Matthew, he explained his willingness to vote in tomorrow’s election as part of his right.
“I am determined to vote in tomorrow’s election without fear or intimidation. It is my right and I will exercise it. Alhambra state belongs to all of us and we can make it great by contributing our quota which election participation and voting is included.”
He urged residents of the state to come out and vote wisely.
While INEC had earlier announced that there will not be voting in 86 polling units out of the 5,720 total polling units in the state.
Meanwhile, some residents however believe that despite the presence of security operatives in the state and the cancellation of the sit-at-home order which is likely to result to a peaceful poll; there is high tendency that the turnout of tomorrow’s election will be low.
The number of registered voters in Anambra is 2,525,471. With this large number, expectation of many Nigerians is, what will the election voting eventually result to amidst the heavy security presence and other factors?
