Some residents of Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State moved freely on Saturday despite a restriction order announced ahead of the Ondo South Senatorial by-election.
The police command in the state had announced restrictions on human and vehicular movement from 6.00a.m. to 6.00p.m. across the senatorial district on Saturday to ensure security during the election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the by-election is being held across the six local government areas of Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo.
A check by NAN correspondents in the Okitipupa metropolis revealed that many residents were moving freely, while commercial activities were ongoing as shops were opened for business.
NAN also reports that many commercial motorists and Okada riders were busy picking passengers from one area to another without any restriction.
Checks by NAN across major inter-state motor parks operating in Okitipupa revealed that transporters did not comply with the restriction order.
Mrs Iyabo Aderanti, a passenger travelling to Akure, described the by-election as “just a filler for a vacant position”.
“I have a business meeting to catch up with, and this election is not a serious one; I just have to go for my business, which will fetch me better money,” she said.
Mr Niyi Akindele, a commercial driver, also said, “Everything is skyrocketing now, and one needs to work hard to make ends meet, so I can’t lose today’s money because of the by-election.”
A visit to polling units 14, 16, and 17, Ward 1, in Okitipupa revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc staff arrived early with sensitive and non-sensitive materials.
Police officers were also seen manning polling units visited as voters queue for accreditation.
Miss Jade Babalola, one of the INEC ad hoc staff, told NAN that she and her colleagues arrived at their polling unit at about 7:00a.m. and were ready to perform the assigned duties.
“We have been here since 7:00a.m., and as you can see, we have arranged the ballot box and cubicle, and all the materials are here; we are only waiting for the voters to be here,” she said. (NAN)
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