During the Anambra election, residents and transporters in Awka and Onitsha defied police movement restriction, operating freely despite warnings

Anambra election day witnessed pockets of defiance on Saturday as some residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha ignored the Police Command’s restriction of movement order.

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The order, which was meant to take effect from midnight until 6 p.m., was expected to cover all roads within the state, including inter-state highways.

However, several commercial vehicles were seen operating freely in parts of the state capital, while commuters boarded them without resistance.

From Ogidi Local Government Area to Nkpor Junction, movement appeared unhindered despite visible security presence. Security operatives were stationed along major routes such as Nkpor Road and other key intersections across the state.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faced some logistical challenges as its officials arrived late at several polling units in Awka and Onitsha.

At Agwuoka Polling Unit 008, INEC officials arrived around 8:40 a.m., while at Aroma Polling Unit 022, officials were still setting up their stands at the same time.

In Awka South Local Government Area, INEC monitoring officer Mrs Mary Fajoye confirmed that all election materials had been dispatched the previous day, though some polling officers initially struggled to locate their designated areas.

At Amawbia 02, Polling Unit 3, Central School III, officials were already set up by 8:19 a.m., awaiting the official commencement of voting at 8:30 a.m.

Presiding Officer Mark Kalu addressed the voters on the voting process, assuring them of a fair and orderly exercise. He said priority would be given to albinos, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

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By the time of filing this report, accreditation and voting had begun at Eze Chima Primary School Polling Unit on Awka Road, with a calm atmosphere prevailing despite earlier breaches of the movement restriction order.