The highly anticipated local government elections in Rivers State began on a slow note Saturday morning, as several polling units reported a lack of voting materials and the absence of officials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
According to The Guardian, a visit to polling units in areas such as Rumuokwuta, Oromineke/Ezimbu, and Command School along GRA Port revealed a concerning void of RSIEC presence and necessary electoral materials as of 8:55 a.m. The polling halls remained shut, with no indication that voting would commence anytime soon.
Voters were spotted checking their names on voter registers posted on the walls, yet there was no sight of electoral officials or voting materials. This has left many residents frustrated and eager to participate in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, some local youths took advantage of the movement restrictions, engaging in impromptu football matches on the streets, adding a layer of normalcy to an otherwise tense atmosphere.
Partial compliance with movement restrictions was evident, with vehicles trickling through major roads such as Rumuola, Rumueme, and Rumuokwuta. However, there were no visible roadblocks, nor any police or security presence in the vicinity.
The elections have been shrouded in controversy, as both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced their boycott of the polls, citing a court order that has fueled tensions within the political landscape.