Late arrival of election materials was evident as the much anticipated local government elections got under way in all the 27 local government areas of Imo state.
Also residents of the state defied the restriction placed on vehicular and human traffic as they go about their duties undisturbed.
Correspondents who monitored the exercise in Owerri municipal, Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, Nkwerre, and Ohaji/Egbema observed that as late as 10 am, election materials were yet to arrive at most of the polling units.
Also residents defied the restriction order as they went about their duties unperturbed.
Police were also less concerned to enforce the order.
At Eziamma Obire Polling Unit 4 in Nkwerre Council Area of the State, where the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Uche Nwosu voted, voting commenced at exactly at 10:45 am.
Earlier the Chairman of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), Hon Ethelbert Ibebuchi, who had supervised the dispatch of election materials at the Commission’s office in Owerri, told newsmen that everything had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Also Governor Rochas Okorocha voted at Ogboko Ward 2 Unit 1 in Ideato South Council Area at exactly 2.30pm
In his comments shortly after casting his vote, Okorocha expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the exercise, describing the turnout as impressive.
He said, ” I am here to cast my vote and I am happy with the turnout of voters, it shows that the people are happy and eager to elect their Chairmen and Councillors.”
