Violence, apathy marry Bayelsa poll

 

 SATURDAY’s Bayelsa governorship election was marred by violence, inducement of voters and apathy in some parts of the states, particularly the riverine and coastal areas.

Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass and Nembe Local Government Areas were worst hits with violence, as political thugs unleash mayhem on rival political supporters with scores feared dead.

In Southern Ijaw, although four persons were reportedly feared dead, however, an indigene of the area told Vanguard that those confirmed dead were more than four.

Elsewhere in the riverine Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas,the election day eve witnessed shootings and disruption of the peace,which prompted the reinforcement of security personnel to the area.

Although normalcy return to Nembe on election day,however, the tension and security uncertainty has caused voters to remain indoors,resulting in voters apathy.

However, the election was generally peaceful in Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Ogbia, and parts of Sagbama Local Government Areas local Government Areas.

An opinion leader in Sagbegeria in Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ongore Joshua,who decried the low turnout of registered voters, described the situation as unfortunate.

In parts of Yenagoa, Ogbia and Kolokuma/Opokuma local government Areas, accreditation started around 8:30am, although there were complaints of failure of card readers in Kolokuma/Opokuma units 6 and 7 of ward 10.

In Otuan community in Southern Ijaw,the locals were yet to sight INEC officials and materials as at press time.