Francis Sadhere
The long awaited Delta Central Senatorial district bye-election started in a shaky ground as voter apathy, late arrival of materials and violent trialed the election in some of the local government areas.
Our correspondent who monitored the election in Udu, Uvwie, Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Ethiope East local government areas reports that eligible voters in the areas went about their normal businesses, even as market women were seen selling their wares in the market.
A lot of people complained of alleged massive thumb printing in some private homes.
When our correspondent visited the INEC office in Ughelli, the distribution centre, at about 9:20am, materials have already left for their various locations.
At Ewhreni in Ughelli North, hometown of APC candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerho, materials got the ward at about 10: 45 am. The atmosphere was peaceful as corps members were seen carrying materials to other units in the area.
Speaking to journalist at Marere Primary School ward 8, Unit 6, in Ewhreni, Hon. Samuel Marere urged the people to vote for the candidate of their choice, emphasizing that the bye-election was between the Urhobos and that they conduct themselves in a peaceful manner.
He said; “All we wanted in this election is for people to come out and vote the candidate of their choice. They should do this in an atmosphere devoid of rancor. Most of us are out here to make sure that the election was peaceful.
A former Chairman of Delta State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare board, Alhaji Mamuka Unagha who also spoke to journalist, urged the people to vote peacefully for the candidate of their choice.
On his part, Hon. Talib Tebite who spoke to our correspondent at Okpare Olomu told journalists that he was sure that PDP was going to win the election adding the PDP candidate has done a lot for the people of the area and the Urhobo nation as a whole.
He added that the Urhobo people had never been in the opposition and that PDP was going to win the election since they had learnt from their past mistakes, noting that they were very strong since they had resolved all past misunderstandings between them.
While saying that the PDP candidate, Olorogun Emmanuel Aguariavwodo has done so much for the Urhobo people, Hon Tabite added that Aguariavwodo has the contacts to bring development to the Urhobo nation. He added that with the kind of security Governor Uduaghan had provided for the bye election, it would be difficult for anybody to rig.
At the deputy governor’s home town, Otu Jeremi, voting began at about 1: 30pm with Professor Amos Utuama and his wife casting their votes peacefully.
Speaking to Journalists after casting his votes the Delta State Deputy Governor said he was sure PDP was going to carry the day, stressing that with the kind of reaction they got from the people when the campaigns were on, they do not have any problem winning the elections.
At Uwvie local government ward 8, Unit 6, voting was already concluded at about 2:30pm.
At Urhobo Collage in Uwvie, voting was done peacefully as all eligible voters in the area turned out to exercise their franchise.
At Agbarho, Ughelli North, voting materials did not get there on time and the turn-out of voters was skeletal.
At Agbarha-Oto, voting did not take place as electoral materials were allegedly hijacked by hoodlums.
At Owvian Aladja, materials arrived late and voters became agitated, but the situation was finally brought under control when materials started arriving.
