Some residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha, Anambra, ignored the state Police Command’s restriction of movement on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the order was to be enforced from midnight until 6:00 p.m., covering all roads in the state, including major interstate highways.
Despite the directive, NAN observed commercial vehicles operating freely in parts of Awka, the state capital, with commuters boarding the vehicles without hindrance. Similar activity was noted along the route from Ogidi Local Government Area to Nkpor junction.
Security personnel were visible at key locations, including the busy Nkpor Road and other major junctions across Awka, NAN also reported.
There were delays in the arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission officials at some polling units in Awka and Onitsha.
At Agwuoka Polling Unit 008, officials were seen arriving at their duty posts at exactly 8:40 a.m., while those at Aroma Polling Unit 022 were setting up around the same time.
In Awka South Local Government Area, INEC monitoring official Mrs Mary Fajoye stated that election materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, had left the council’s INEC office since the previous day.
She added that although polling officers initially had trouble locating some registration areas, the issue had been resolved.
At Amawbia 02, Polling Unit 3, Central School 111, officials and materials were in place by 8:19 a.m., ready for voting to begin at 8:30 a.m.
The Presiding Officer, Mr Mark Kalu, addressed the electorate on preparations and voting procedures. Kalu urged voters to maintain decorum and informed them that priority would be given to albinos, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
By the time this report was filed, voter accreditation had commenced at Eze Chima Primary School Polling Unit on Awka Road.
