Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has adjudged the election as peaceful. She stated this after casting her vote at Polling Unit 001, Ward 2, at the premises, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Okpuno-Egbu, Umudim Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA.
The minister, who also monitored the election in some polling units in Uruagu Ward 2, lauded the INEC for their satisfactory and commendable performance.
Observers from accredited international groups also praised the election process and the commission’s performance.
The election was largely peaceful, with voters exercising their franchise without fear.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Benjamin Okolo credited the smooth conduct to the strategic deployment of security personnel, advanced surveillance measures, and the guidance of the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun.
Speaking to THISDAY at the state command headquarters in Awka, DIG Okolo said, “The arrangements put in place under the guidance of the IG have been excellent. His directives ensured that all agencies performed effectively, and this has contributed immensely to the peace we are witnessing.”
Okolo also confirmed that flashpoints such as Ihiala LGA remained calm due to pre-election clearance operations.
The Nigeria Police Force also intensified aerial surveillance operations across the state, particularly in flashpoints, under the command of CP Martins Nwogo.
The Air Wing also monitored movement patterns, detected suspicious gatherings, and provided real-time intelligence to ground commanders.
Nwogo said: “We are combing all nooks and crannies from the air with a fine-tooth comb to guarantee a hitch-free exercise.”
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, emphasised that all measures were designed to safeguard voters, maintain law and order, and ensure a credible electoral process.
Meanwhile, there was a report of an attack by gunmen at Owerre Ezukala community in Orumba South LGA, where a man identified as a councillor in the community was shot while attempting to cast his vote.
However, Ikenga said there were no such reports of insecurity before him.
During the election, THISDAY noticed a significant improvement in the BVAS machine’s performance, as it took just seconds to accredit voters.
The poll, however, recorded low turnout as many residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha defied the restriction of movement order by the state police command and went about their normal business activities.
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