Ex – Imo Deputy Gov Votes, Frowns Over Late Arrival Of INEC Officials, Faulty B-VAS

– As Shortage Of Ballot Booklets Mar Process

 – Says People Are Sovereign In Democracy

Imo State former Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere has faulted the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) electoral Officers late arrival at 1:30pm

He made the revelation shortly after casting his vote at booth K12 in Ezinihitte ward, Mbieri, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State at 2:15pm

He said the BVAS machine could not function until the supervisor can to rectify the problem.

Prince Madumere further frowned at the shortage of booklets. 

He, however, described the exercise as peaceful, wishing that the same should be the situation in other booths.

His statement:

“I have cast my vote. This is the beauty of democracy. Periodic election makes the people the Sovereign in Democracy. 

“It is important to note that it was appalling that the INEC Officials came quite late even though no logistical excuses have been advanced. Again, the BVAS couldn’t work until the Supervisor came around to rectify it. 

“My people were here since 8am and the officials arrived at 1:30 pm. I could not vote until around 2:10 pm.  

“We must allow the people exercise their franchise; let them make their choices through the ballots and that is exactly what is happening today.

“This election has witnessed more youths participating alongside the elderly. They all want to be heard through the ballots.

“The 2023 electioneering exercise is an all important one. I appeal to our people to cast their votes remain peaceful. Election should not be a do or die affair.”

Mbaitoli:

Our reporter who visited some parts of Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State reports that most people in the area, especially Mbieri were disenfranchised as the ballot booklets for Presidential election were not enough. In most cases, some polling units got only one booklet where only fifty electorates were allowed to votes.

At PU k12, Ezinihitte ward, where the former deputy Governor hails from, one one booklet was available, By the time the people insisted for the extra booklets, by the time it was supposed to be sent, most people had gone home.

Meanwhile, 19 PU units were reportedly suspended as a result of the non availability of INEC officials and where they were available, the machines could not work.

Owerri

In Owerri, there were reported cases of intervention of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A witness told our reporter of the exchange between All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs led by alleged government agents.

Our reporter also visited aladinma ward 1 booths 001 to 004. the atmosphere was reportedly peaceful however at 10 pm, the electoral officer refused to upload the result, saying they were detailed not to upload. The electorates however insisted he would not leave until the needful was done.

Meanwhile, no official results have been released for the presidential election.