BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Tight security, late materials and personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) arrival, unexpected low voters turnout amid significant rainfall have marked today’s governorship election in Edo State.
Police and other security agencies deployed for the exercise enforced strict protocols to ensure unhindered mobility and safety at the various pulling units across the state.
Armed soldiers and policemen were seen drenched carrying out their duties professionally in some major roads apparently to prevent political thugs from infiltrating the electoral atmosphere across the state.
Before 8am, heavy police presence was already visible at Eghosa Grammar School, Benin which serves as Distribution and Collation Centre for the 10 wards in Egor local government area.
Voting commenced at the center at 9:15am with Mr. Ihaza John Paul,65 casting the first ballot in polling unit 2, ward 10, Egor local government area.
A man with disability, Godwin Omoruyi who rode his electric tricycle to vote in ward 7, unit 31, Oredo local government area, commended INEC for making voting process seamless.
It was a different experience for Mr. Monday Anigbere and other voters who waited anxiously at Oredo ward 2, unit 40 without officials of INEC in sight at 9:32am.
In other areas monitored the exercise recorded the following: Oredo ward 1, units 7, 8, 9 and 10 large number of voters and security operatives present but INEC officials and materials were absent as at 8:39am.
At Emokae Primary School in ward 4, Oredo local government area, at 8:51am voting commenced in polling units 19 to 28.
In ward 4, unit 36 at Evbiemwen Street, Oredo Local Government Area, INEC officials with materials and security personnel were on ground without a single voter present.
At Manpower units 39-53 ward 6 Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area accreditation and voting commenced peacefully at 8:35am as party agents lamented low turnout of voters.
In ward 6, units 86, 87 and 89 at Evbuoriaria Primary School, Ikpoba Okha, voting started about 9:45am witnessing low voter turnout alleged triggered by intimidation.
At the Super Rac Centre in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West local Government Area, election materials and INEC ad-hoc staff were yet to be at the premises as at 8:35am.
Notably, at 9:40am where voting was recorded such as ward 1, unit 6 on Warrake road, Auchi the voters turnout was low.
Speaking, Chief Salisu Ahmed, MD Benin Owena commended INEC for the election and the peaceful conduct of the electorates.
As at 8:30am, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) was yet to exercise his franchise due to unavailability of INEC officials and ballot materials at his voting centre, ward 1, unit 3, Idrion Vocational Centre, Okaegben Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
It was gathered that the PDP candidate eventually voted few hours later when electoral officials and materials arrived.
In polling unit 4, ward 10, Uzebba Grammar School, Owan West local government area, voters exercised their franchise peacefully.
However, voting commenced promptly in some locations at Esan West Local Government Area with the arrival of materials at Edgware Primary School, Ujiogba Ward 2, polling units 2, 3 and 11.
An INEC official who would not give her name said the process was seamless with no network failures and all machines working perfectly.
Voters came out early and conducted themselves in an orderly manner amidst a shower of rain.
There was no significant difference in Ovia North-East and South West Local Government Areas as late materials arrival was recorded in Udo, Igueladidi, Urhuezen, Iguelaiho, Iguokaghien and neighboring communities.
Cases of vote trading and buying were also observed just as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) arrested three suspects in Egor local government area of Edo State.
However, at 11:57am, Governor Godwin Obaseki voted at Oredo ward 4, unit 19 in Emokpae Primary School, Mission Road, Benin.
Obaseki Commended the enthusiasm of Edo voters despite the rain just as applauded efforts of the electoral body.
The governor also lauded the presence of the military to ensure peaceful election.
“You can see that despite the weather, the turnout and enthusiasm of the electorate is high. The ballots box in my polling units is full and clearly it shows people have been interested in this election.
“People are very interested in this election because it’s a watershed for us in Edo State. Am not surprised because a lot of young people are here to come and express themselves and fulfill their Civic obligation.
“For now am glad with what I see and the election process in my unit have been smooth and efficient but just hoped that the collation process will be the same and also peaceful and hope that results counter will not disrupted.
“Am glad about the military presence in the State and the federal security have taken over the State so I don’t have any say, I believed that the IGP is the Chief security officer of the State”, Governor Obaseki said.
Amid huge complaints of late materials arrival, the IINEC announced the extension of voting hours from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.
