REPORTER: IFEOMA AMUTA
The Enugu State Local Government election has recorded low voter turnout in parts of New Haven, Enugu North Local Government Area, despite the early arrival of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
At New Haven Ward 10, election materials arrived as early as 8am, while accreditation and voting commenced at New Haven Primary School polling unit at about 9:51am.
However, several other polling units, including New Haven Suya Spot, New Haven Market, GSM Village, Ugbo Okonkwo, Ugbo Ezebi, Power Line and New Haven Extension, experienced delays in the arrival of election materials and polling officials.
Radio Nigeria observed that some residents were seen playing football, while some respondents said they had little interest in the election.
One of the ENSIEC officials in Enugu North Local Government Area, Mr Ifeanyi Nnaji, expressed optimism that the election would be successful, explaining that materials had arrived at Ward 10 and officials were awaiting other electoral officers, party agents and voters.
Meanwhile, Mr Isaac Nmecha Ijomanta, who spoke with Radio Nigeria correspondent Ifeoma Amuta at about 8:45am, attributed the low turnout to a number of factors.
Also speaking, Mr Obinna Orji, who cast his vote, said some residents were satisfied with the performance of the party in government and therefore showed little interest in coming out to vote for other parties.
Radio Nigeria observed the presence of security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police, with two police vans and a Divisional Police Officer later arriving at the polling area.
Only one party agent was sighted at the polling unit at the time, while voters gradually arrived to cast their ballots after accreditation.
However, an electoral observer with ActionAid, Miss Chikodinaka Chime, said the election at New Haven Polling Units 4 and 5 was peaceful and witnessed an impressive turnout of voters.
