Metro
Card reader, logistics delay, violence mar election
Issues with the smart card reader, delay in arrival of INEC staff and materials including violence in some parts of the country were among things that accompanied the presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.
From Otuoke in Bayelsa to Gombe State, there were reports of malfunctioning card readers, unavailable result sheets, violence and killings.
At his home town, Otuoke in Bayelsa State, President Jonathan’s card and that of his wife, Patience Jonathan could not pass the process. Several card readers were tried but his card and that of his wife could not be read by the card readers.
Addressing reporters after several trials, President Jonathan urged all Nigerians to be patient with INEC, expressing optimism that all Nigerians that are willing to vote would vote.
There were however encouraging reports of massive turnout of voters for the exercise, as Nigerians came out to exercise their civic responsibilities. The young, old and elderly, including physically challenged Nigerians, and sick ones all trooped out for the election.
There were reports of thugs snatching ballot boxes, or setting ballot papers on fire. In River state a soldier and two civilians were reportedly shot dead by suspected political thugs at polling centres in Ozuoha and Kpite in Ikwerre and Tai Local Government Areas of the state.
In Gombe State, a member of Gombe State House of Assembly, Alhaji Umar Aminu (APC), and eight others were feared killed on Saturday by insurgents, who attacked Dukku and Nafada local government areas of the state.
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