Our reporter observed that there was large turnout of voters in many polling centres visited even as there were reports of late arrival of electoral materials in few areas particularly in perceived stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Speaking after casting his vote at his country home, Orba, in Udenu Local of the State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, described the election as free and fair, commending the people of the state for coming out en-masse to perform their civic responsibility. “I am satisfied with the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission for carrying out its work effectively. I also commend the people of Enugu State for coming out to vote for candidates of their choice”, he added. But, the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu, berated the State Electoral body for non- provision of electoral materials to his Eke Ward, saying that it contradicted the call for devolution of power to states. “It is a paradox and contradiction that you talk of state police when you cannot conduct a credible local government election” Reports also indicated that there were skirmishes in Oji-River and Awgu Local Government Councils over mixed reactions to late arrival of electoral materials to the areas. Meanwhile, the Police in Enugu authority in Enugu has assured that the incident of minor explosion at a spare parts workshop at the entrance in the morning of Saturday leading to a polling station at coal camp axis of Enugu state did not interfere with the voting activities at the polling Centre as the process is still on course there. It could be recalled that there was a reported incident of an explosion in the morning of the fateful day at the Coal Camp axis which is an enclave of artisans. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amarizu, who confirmed the story said no life was lost as Operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Department of the State Police command were on hand to conduct analysis with a view to finding out the possible cause of the explosion at the workshop and its nature and as well as possible circumstance amongst others A coalition of civil society organizations has hailed the State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) over the conduct of the local government elections. Leader of the group, Comrade Kalu Victor, alongside leaders of other civil society groups, said the team had so far observed that “the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission is resolute, transparent and committed to conducting a free and fair local government in the State. “The actions and conducts of ENSIEC, to the best of our knowledge, are so far guided by the State Electoral Laws. “We observed that for the first time in the history of the State, strong and formidable opposition parties are seriously campaigning and mobilizing to challenge the ruling party in Enugu State in the Local Government polls, this has made the election very interesting. “We noted that the various candidates emerged through transparent internal party democratic process in their various parties.” “We commend His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State for considering it necessary to conduct this very important Local Government Election in the State not minding the economic challenges which other states are using as an excuse”, the group added. As at the time of going to press, the Chairman of ENSIEC, Mike Ajogwu (SAN) was yet to formally declare the result of the election. Culled: nigeriantribune]]>

"Exciting news! TheNigeriaLawyer is now on WhatsApp Channels 🚀 Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest legal insights!" Click here! ....................................................................................................................... Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material and other digital content on this website, in whole or in part, without express and written permission from TheNigeriaLawyer, is strictly prohibited _________________________________________________________________ [Register Now] ILA Nigeria Branch Marks 10 Years With Infrastructure Financing As Theme For 7th Annual Conference The International Law Association - Nigeria Branch 7th annual conference on public-private partnerships for sustainable infrastructure financing, April 4-5 in Abuja. Details: https://ilanigeria.org.ng/conference _________________________________________________________________

NIALS' Compendia Series: Your One-Stop Solution For Navigating Nigerian Laws (2004-2023)

Email: info@nials.edu.ng, tugomak@yahoo.co.uk, Contact: For Inquiry and information, kindly contact, NIALS Director of Marketing: +2348074128732, +2348100363602.