Francis Sadhere
Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Warri and environs were marred with pockets of crisis and heavy downpour.
It was a bloody situation in Abraka, Ogor, Ughelli, Ozoro, and Orogu, as lots of voters were seriously wounded by thugs who attempted to snatch voting materials.
Governor Uduaghan who voted at Abigborodo, his home town, described the exercise as peaceful and a huge success.
At ward 8, Unit 5, in Ewvreni, home town of APC governorship candidate, the presiding officer, Chukukere A. Chidimma, described the exercise as very peaceful and successful.
APC candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor lauded INEC for the use of card readers, saying that it is an improvement from the presidential election. He said his chances are bright and he was the candidate to beat.
According to him, Deltans are yearning for change and believed that they will vote for change as they did in the March 28 presidential election.
Emerhor who spoke to journalist after casting his vote at Ewvreni believed he will win the election, while Chief Great Ogboru of the Labour Party says the election was marred with a lot of irregularities.
However, heavy downpour disrupted voting at Sapele and other major towns and villages including Effurun.
But APC House of Assembly candidate in Warri South constituency 1, Barrister Robinson Ariyo, decried the massive rigging in his area and vowed to petition the INEC.
Our correspondent reports that materials left INEC office on Essisi road, Warri on time. The electoral officer, Fidelia Omoile said the exercise of material distribution to the various wards was peaceful.
At ward 5, Unit 4 Ugborikoko in Uvwie, L.G.A, our correspondent observed that at 11:33am accreditation went on smoothly and election commenced at 1:00pm.
