By Helen Okechukwu, JKNewsMedia Reporter, Port Harcourt
THE RIVERS State local government election sparked mixed reactions in Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where residents reported varying degrees of voter participation.
Ben Beera, a local observer, described seeing some voters’ activity at Rumuowha Playground around 10.00am.
“People came out to vote, and electoral materials were available. It was a modest turnout,” Beera told JKNewsMedia.
He attributed the low numbers to the local government election’s limited persuasion, particularly in a community with many non-indigenous residents.
He also noted that, “This is just an LG election. Only a few people care about it. Most of the residents here are non-indigenes, and some of the locals are not supportive of the election.
“The turnout wasn’t as large as in the past, but those who understood the process participated. So, yes, the election was held.”
While Beera noted that elections took place at his polling unit, another observer, Johnson Zeruwa, contradicted his account.
By 1.00pm, Zeruwa said he had visited several polling stations and found no signs of voting.
“There was no election. I checked from Igwurta to Eneka, and nothing happened,” he stated, accusing the process of being manipulated.
Ogbonda Chuku, an Action Peoples’ Party (APP) agent, expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere at Community Primary School 2, despite low voter turnout.
He blamed transportation issues caused by a new flyover near the Rumuogunuoma Playground.
JKNewsMedia reporter also observed that business activities continuing uninterrupted, with open shops and free-flowing traffic along major roads.
