Large Turnout As Residents Vote In Akwa Ibom LG Poll

Voting is ongoing to elect chairmen and councilors to take charge of affairs for the next three years in the thirty-one local government areas of Akwa Ibom state.

Voting was delayed in most polling units as a result of the early morning rains which affected human and vehicular movements.

Although most polling stations in Uyo, the state capital witnessed a large turnout of voters as early as 8 am, accreditation and voting did not commence until about 9 am while other units had to wait a little longer to commence at about 10 am.

The turnout of voters was generally impressive. At Etim Ekpo Ward 1, in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, accreditation and voting commenced at about 10 am.

The unit recorded a high turnout of voters. The exercise has been generally peaceful in all the areas visited.

One of the persons who voted in the election was Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He cast his ballot at the Ukana Ward 1, Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.

After the election, Akpabio commended the process but wondered how candidates could score 100 per cent of the votes in polls.

Senator Akpabio however called on Nigerians to be more circumspect to move the country forward.

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Hoodlums Attack AKISIEC Office

Meanwhile, hoodlums later set ablaze the office of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission office in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

The spokesman of the Akwa Ibom Police Command Timfon John said electoral materials were untouched, and the exercise continued as scheduled.

“Some hoodlums partially set the AKISIEC office in Ibiono Ibom ablaze, but the election materials remained intact. The election is also ongoing,” she said.

She said, “security has been beefed up at all AKISIEC offices and strategic locations across the state to prevent further sabotage”.

According to her, the police are working tirelessly to ensure the elections proceed without a hitch.