Rivers LG Elections: Voter Apathy Witnessed In Early Polling

• Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers had declared restriction of vehicular and human movements within and out of the State from midnight of April 16 until 5.00 pm on April 17, when the council polls was expected to be over.

The Local Government Election in Rivers was marked by a general voter apathy during the early hours of polling even as most residents in parts of Port Harcourt remained indoors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that armed Police personnel mounted road blocks at Mile 3, UST Roundabout Police Station and other strategic points in the Port Harcourt metropolis as early as 8.00a.m. on election day.

The Mile 3 Market and Park as well as shops within the area were shut while streets at Mgbooba, NTA Road areas were deserted as people remained mostly indoors.

Also, Ikwere road was devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of human, vehicular movement and gridlock caused by commercial vehicles and traders.

The Azikiwe and Moscow roads were devoid of usual heavy traffic, but some residents were seen trekking to their various destinations.

Read Also: How Yoruba Solidarity Helped Emergence Of Tsola Emiko As Olu Of Warri

As at 9.00a.m., electoral materials had arrived at most polling stations although, generally, voter apathy was observed up to the time of filing this report.

The governor, in a state broadcast, said the restriction of movement was necessitated by conduct of polls by Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RVSIEC) fixed for April 17.