High turnout, attempted ballot box snatching in Akwa-Ibom

There was high turnout of voters in Akwa-Ibom despite apprehension over classification of the state as one of the flash points for violence.

At most polling units The Guardian visited in the early hours, accreditation and voting commenced as early as 8am.

However, security operatives apprehended two men in possession of a ballot box along Iko Nkwo Street, Eket Local Government.

The suspected ballot box snatchers were riding on a motorbike, when they were trailed and arrested, and taken to the Divisional Police Station along Eket-Oron Road.

There was also report of suspected thugs threatening Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in Ikot Ekong Unit 2, ward 4 in Nsit Atai Local Government, to handover materials to them, which was resisted, leading to tension.

The State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who voted in Awa Iman Ward 1, Unit 03, Onna Local Government, with his wife, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, hoped that the improvement on voters’ accreditation would be replicated in other units across the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere, after casting his vote at Unit Four, Ward Six, Ikot Oborenyin, in Edemaya, Ikot Abasi Local Government, said he was sure of victory.

As early as 5.36am, a military aircraft hovered over Uyo and later landed at the Obong Victor Attah Airport to allegedly discharge some boxes secretly without airport officials’ involvement.