The Awka metropolis and its environs are witnessing a tight security presence and last-minute readiness for the smooth electioneering process
ahead of the Anambra governorship election slated for Saturday.

A correspondent who monitored the state activities reports that unusual calmness filled the environment.

Security personnel were seen around the INEC headquarters in Anambra and its surroundings, with vehicular movement being diverted to the local pathways.

Along Nibo-Nise in the Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, security personnel were deployed at the flashpoints of the communities, allowing for unhindered pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Ifeoma Egbo, a trader at Eke Awka market, told journalists that tensions and uncertainty were in the atmosphere due to the heavy security presence in the state.

Ms Egbo said the sounds of the air raids heightened the tension, as if there might be trouble on election day, adding that there are security men in uniforms in almost all the areas.

She said the presence of the security personnel and the air raids might scare most of the electorate away, especially elderly people.

Grace Anagor, a trader, said the security agents are welcome, as it reassures the people that the government is prepared for the election.

She therefore appealed for them to operate professionally and with a human face.

The security outfit had revealed the presence of 60,000 police and military personnel to secure 5,720 polling units.

Meanwhile, a coalition of accredited election observers has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest individuals involved in vote buying during the election.

Augustine Okafor, coordinator, Grassroot Development Centre for Peace and Social Justice, made the call on behalf of the coalition.

Also, Sarki Danjuma, chairman, Initiative for Promotion and Civic Obligation for Sustainable Peace, cautioned against vote buying.

Mr Danjuma urged the EFCC to take decisive action against perpetrators.

“The EFCC and security agencies should fight against vote-buying, which undermines democracy and erodes public confidence in the process,” he said.

INEC also declared that it recorded 98.8 per cent PVC collection for the said election.

(NAN)