IHIALA RECORDS SMOOTH, CREDIBLE POLLS IN ANAMBRA LG ELECTIONS

By Chinemelu Okafor  :

The Anambra State Local Government election held on September 28th, 2024 was peaceful, free and fair in various polling units, in Ihiala LGA.

Although the election  witnessed low turnout of voters but the process was peaceful in many polling units and towns in the local government area.

It was observed that the election commenced late in many polling units, because the electoral materials and the adhoc staff arrived late.

People who came to vote for their Chairmanship and Councilorship candidates, were seen standing in various polling units, before the staff and electoral materials arrived.

At  Eziani Primary School, Umuadobihi, it was observed that the area was peaceful, though, people weren’t happy because the accreditation and voting commenced late.

At Odoata polling station Ihiala, the turnout was very low, unlike the previous elections that always witnessed huge number of voters.

In some towns like Lilu, Orsumoghu, people didn’t come out to vote, for fear of being attacked by the unknown gunmen.

When interviewed, Mr. Obiora Echebi said that people didn’t come out in Orsumoghu, because many people have deserted the town, whereas the ones around are afraid of insurgency.

In his own reaction, Chief Maduka Ezeobi from Okija said that he was very happy the way people came out to exercise their right, though the turnout was not like before.

He cited hardship and insurgency as the cause of the low turnout and pleaded with the Governor Soludo to come to  their rescue.

At Lilu, the home town of APGA Chairmanship candidate, Mr Anayo Orjiako, the election was free and fair .

After the voting, which ended late in some polling units, the results were collated and taken to the collation center, at Odoata Primary School, Ihiala.

* Okafor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *