Voter apathy mars Rivers LG poll

Saturday’s Rivers State local government poll recorded low voters turnout, as only a handful voters were seen in polling units across the state.
Some residents in Port Harcourt blamed the situation on mass boycott by the electorate, because there were no opposition parties in the state.
Mrs Beatrice Chuku, a resident of Obio/Akpor area, said that she needed not to worry herself going to the poll because the ruling party in the state would always win the election at all cost.
Chuku stated that the current political situation in the state had made it possible for candidates of the ruling party to emerge winners without stress.
Mr Princewill Chinedu, another resident, corroborated the claim, saying that the system of voting without other parties made him to lose interest in the exercise.
” I have gone to my ward and it is only PDP and APGA agents present and these agents I know them as PDP members, so casting my vote looks like I am stabbing myself because I know that this is not a proper election.
“You can see people walking around, see boys playing football on the street, this should tell you that people no longer want to fool themselves in the name of voting.
“Government should do the right thing regarding our current system of election, they should start voting through electronic system so that anybody that win election will work for the masses that elected him or her into that position,” he said.
But, Mr Sunday Uche, another resident said Nigerians have duties to elect their representatives at all levels.
” I have voted and am happy that I voted because it is my constitutional right to vote and elect those who will lead the local councils in the state.
” Many people have decided to boycott the election for some reasons, but the same people will start complaining about bad governance after failing to play their roles in ensuring that good candidates were voted to power.
“I think there’s need for us to change our attitudes of boycotting elections and complaining of bad governance later, ” he said.
Andoni local government area of the state recorded peaceful poll as security agencies stopped plans by unknown persons to disrupt the process.
Some political stakeholders in the area made this known while addressing newsmen during the exercise on in Ngo Andoni.
One of the key political players in the area, Mr Dagomie Abiante, lawmaker representing Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency confirmed that the process was transparent.
“From my unit, where I have very detailed information on the election, its so far been peaceful, transparent. So, we await the outcome, and we believe that it will be a reflection of my observation.
“I voted in my polling unit, Unit 9 in Ward 1, Ngo town. Thus far, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEIC) has done very well in conducting the election here in Andoni.
“Materials were distributed on time, they were also properly sorted and officials seem to be well informed on their duties ,” he said.
The lawmaker also said that though based on very credible security intelligence, it was gathered that there could be the likelihood of a breach of the peace.
“Proberbly, haven gotten to know that the plan has been leaked due to the alarm  that we earlier raised because we had earlier called on the security agencies to step up operations in the area and I can say that there are no infractions.
“I want to give credit to that intelligence report, the security agencies for being very proactive. I have also seen several gun boats on our waterways as at last night when I arrive here, I moved round to confirm this.”
Mr Victor Ere, Chairman of PDP, Andoni local council, said that the process was peaceful and commended the security agencies for their proactive steps towards increased security during the exercise.
“Though some evil planners had plans to disturb the process but they failed as they couldn’t penetrate the area.
”This election is not different from other elections because at the end of result collaboration the majority will be returned winner. As we speak no incidence of violence so far has been recorded across wards.”
Meanwhile, the PDP candidate, Erastus Aworttu, also commended RISIEC for a peaceful process.
“I want to thank RISIEC for organising a credible process. Voting commenced on time and there’s no incident of voter apathy around here.
”I can see that the people are very enthusiastic about bringing in a change by electing a new government.
“From the reports gathered by my party agents, from the various wards, elections are going on peacefully just like what we have here in ward 9 unit 5 where I cast my vote.”