Low Turnout Greets Elections In Rivers

There was serious voter apathy during last Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State, as most voters remained at home.
The development may not be unconnected with the heavy presence of soldiers and policemen deployed for the elections.
Our correspondent who monitored the elections in some parts of Port Harcourt and Eleme Local Government Areas reports that soldiers with red bands on their hands were spotted in major junctions along the Aba Road stretch into Eleme Local Government Area.
Some persons who were loitering along the road were stopped and asked to sit on the floor, while vehicles on essential duties, including those of journalists were stopped and searched before allowed to proceed.
In Eleme, military men and police were spotted in Hilux vans and buses patrolling the Ogale, Agbonchia, Aleto, Alesa and other communities in the area, though no one was molested at the time.
Like in most parts of Port Harcourt, shops, business points and homes were completely closed as residents literally locked themselves in their homes and remained indoors, save a handful who mustered the courage to come out to exercise their franchise.
There were initial issues with the card readers in Ward 10, Unit 12 in Aleto, Eleme, as well as in Ward 1, Unit 2 in Bonny LGA, as INEC officials complained that the device was not working, thereby delaying accreditation, though the issues were later resolved as voting process went on well.
But in Agbonchia, Eleme, the story was different as some electoral materials were snatched by suspected thugs and taken to an unknown destination at the time our reporter was there.
Accreditation and voting however went smoothly in Ward 3, Unit 1, Ogale, as the process went on without hitches.
Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike shortly after casting his vote, along with his wife at Ward 9, Unit 7 in Rumueme, Obio/Akpo LGA blamed the turnout during the election to the illegal activities of the military. 
 The Governor said, “The way the military acted discouraged people from turning up. The role of the military is to provide security.  But it is unfortunate that they directly participate.  Police have no role in the elections. 
 ”The military appears to have taken over police duties,” he stated with unhappiness.

Dennis Naku