By Chika Kwamba/Rita Oyiboka/Kase Greatness/Voke Uvwie/Sam Duvwode/Kofa Kingsley/Victoria Odia/Tosan Atie/ Warri/Paul Egede/Oye Chijioke/Victoria Odia/Christian Eze/Monica Ogbaudu/Ambrose Ologide/Dinma Bigwa
The Local Government elections conducted by Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), yesterday, witnessed peaceful and impressive turn-out of voters for the exercise, who defied an early morning rain to participate in voting their choice candidates.
The elections, closely monitored by The Pointer correspondents, saw a significant turnout of voters and a peaceful atmosphere in Aniocha North, Oshimili South and Bomadi, Ndokwa West, Uvwie local government areas of the state.
….Onyeme Describes The Conduct As Peaceful
Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, has described Local Government Elections held in the State, yesterday, as peaceful and rancor free.
Onyeme gave the description while speaking to journalists shortly after casting his votes at Unit 11, Ward 10, Ibabu, Onicha-Ukwuani, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State. The deputy governor, who arrived the venue at 10: 20am with his wife, Ezinne Catherine, cast his votes at 10:27am after accreditation.
Speaking to journalists shortly after voting, the Deputy Governor noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remained the party to beat in the elections. He expressed confidence that the rigorous campaign the party had across the State would give it victory.
The Deputy Governor Onyeme added that the victory of the party in the elections was not in doubt as the PDP Government led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was doing marvelously well in delivering the M. O. R .E Agenda, adding that the PDP have projects to showcase across the State.
While expressing confidence that the elections would be rancour-free, Onyeme said, “We are expecting 100 percent votes for the PDP in this Ward. This is the Ward people look up to in the Local Government, we don’t have any fear at all about victory for the PDP.
“I am confident that our party, the PDP will win. Other political parties did not engage in any form of campaign and I wonder how other political parties want to get victory.
“PDP has a lot of projects and programs to campaign with whereas, the opposition had nothing, so, you can obviously know the outcome.
“Take my place, Onicha-Ukwuani for example, the whole place has solar street light and we have good network of roads, and this is applicable in all parts of the State”.
Also, the Deputy Chief Of Staff, Hon. Ifeanyi Osakwe and the Senior Special Assistant, Media to Governor Oborevwori, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, cast their votes at unit 2 Ward 10, Ugiliamai, Onicha-Ukwuani, Ndokwa West Local Area.
They expressed their confidence that PDP would win overwhelmingly in their units, ward and across the State.
…Polls Peaceful, Impressive In Aniocha North
At Polling Unit 4, Ward 8, Martin Primary School in Isselu-Uku, The Pointer witnessed a significant turnout of electorates, with the Majority Leader and Chairman, Information Committee of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, in attendance to vote and observe the process.
In an interview, Hon. Nwaobi praised the electorates for their active participation and the DSIEC officials for conducting a seamless and orderly election. He also observed the noticeable absence of opposition party supporters, which he attributed to their lack of campaign efforts.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Delta North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Ned Nwoko expressed satisfaction with the turnout to the election, noting that it mirrored the people’s trust in the electoral process.
Speaking at Ward 8, Polling Unit 4, located at Ugba Primary School, Onicha-Olona, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Aniocha North, Hon. Emma Chinye, expressed optimism about his party’s victory in the election, attributing it to the vigorous campaign efforts and the overwhelming support from electorates.
He also commended the move towards granting autonomy to local governments, describing it as a progressive step that will usher in development at the grassroots level and ultimately benefit the state as a whole.
The story was no different at Polling Unit 6, Ward 18, located at Enuofu Primary School in Issele-Mkpitime, where PDP leader, Chief Kress Njiokwuemeni noted that electorates were eager to cast their ballots. According to him, the election process, which commenced at 8:30 am, was peaceful, with no incidents reported.
…Oshimili South Witness Massive Turn-Out
In Oshimili South Local Government area, the turnout of voters at wards and polling units, including Polling Units 10 and 11, Ward 4, in Umuezei, monitored by The Pointer also painted an enthusiastic attitude of eligible voters concerning the local government election.
In an interview with journalists, the Chairman of PDP in Oshimili South local government area, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji applauded the conducted of the local government election, saying that the turn-out was impressive.
According to him, the electorates used the opportunity to appreciate the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevaori for the good work he was doing in the area by voting massively for the PDP, even as he commended the governor over his achievements in the state in the past one year.
Ogbueshi Okonji, who voted in Ward 4, Umuezei, also commended the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) for ensuring that voting materials arrived on time and security agents for ensuring a hitch-free conduct.
Also speaking to journalists, the Special Advsier to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor sid the election in his Ward One was peaceful and the turn-out laudable. He expressed happiness that the electorates voted for the PDP, asserting that they were awaiting a positive result from the voting, just as he praised DSIEC for a well-organised election.
Meanwhile, yesterday’s local government election held in Uvwie local government area, though was relatively peaceful, recorded a low turnout of voters just as youths in some wards/units turned the voting polls into a beer parlor as they were seen brandishing different brands of drinks in the presence of security operatives detailed to provide security for the wards/units. Our correspondent, who went round the council area reports that voters, who defied the rain to cast their votes in peaceful manner, expressed the hope that their candidates will win the election.
Some polling wards/units visited by our reporter at such as Ugbrorikoko, Okotogbo, Enerhen, Urhumarho, Erovie and Airport road and other axis witnessed a well-conducted election. However, supporters of other opposition parties, such as the APC and the Labour Party (LP), who spoke to newsmen alleging that other party candidates, were not carried along.
…LG Polls: Bomadi PDP Bigwigs Hail DSIEC For Hitch-Free Conduct
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Bomadi Local Government, Hon. Dagidi Andaye has rated Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) high over the hitch-free conduct of the local government polls in the area, yesterday.
Andaye said this shortly after casting his votes in his home town, Kpakiama, noting that the conduct was the best since inception of democracy in 1999.
He expressed confidence that all the results that will emanate the units and wards in the Bomadi local government area would not be contested.
The member Representing Bomadi-Patani Federal Constituency Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, who spoke to newsmen in Akugbene town after casting his votes, said DSIEC started its preparation early, while the deployment of adhoc staff and materials to polling units were timely. He posited that the transparency of the entire process made voters to perform their civic duty joyously.
He urged those with ill-feelings to accept their loss in good fate and expressed optimism that all the PDP elected councilors would have a big heart to accommodate and work with everyone in their respective wards.
Also speaking from same Akugbene town, the Hon. Commission of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Kelly Penawou hailed DSIEC and urged the commission to keep the good work up. Penawou thanked the teaming Akugbene town voters for coming out en mass to cast their votes tasked them to put up same spirit in future elections.
At Kpakiama, the member Representing Bomadi Constituency, Hon. Kenneth Preyor said DSIEC has made a mark in electoral affairs, which he opined would be emulated by other electoral bodies.
Preyor further noted that all candidates from PDP would have a field day, explaining it was PDP that carryout campaign round the 10 INEC wards in Bomadi Local Government Area.
…Police CP Commends Voters For Peaceful Conduct
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, yesterday, said the security plans made by his office to ensure problem-free Local Government elections were successful.
The commissioner, while fielding questions from journalists when he visited Ward 11 at Uzoigwe Primary School, Asaba to monitor the security situation said, “every ward and polling unit I have visited has been peaceful.
“We have not received any case of bickering or rancor. This is a clear attestation that my office made adequate security preparations to ensure the electorate was well protected from any harm while exercising their franchise.
…IPAC Lauds Security Agencies
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has lauded security agencies in Delta for ensuring peace and creating a secure atmosphere for the Local Government election.
The IPAC Chairman, Prince Henry Eze, made the commendation in an interview with journalists while monitoring the elections in Asaba, yesterday.
He noted that the election was generally peaceful and encouraging from all the polling units visited and as reported by IPAC members across the State.
“We have been going around covering polling units in Oshimili South Local Government Area, and things are moving on smoothly at the units; no fighting, no thuggery.
“The security agencies lived up to expectations, matching their words with actions.
“We met with the state Commissioner for Police (CP), Olufemi Abaniwonda, who assured us of adequate security, and what he said is what we are seeing today,” he said.
Eze said that about 10 political parties participated in the LG election, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and Action Alliance (AA).
He said that in line with the all-inclusive electoral goal of the council, people with disabilities were seen voting in some of the polling units monitored in Asaba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that voting was also peaceful in the Okpanam area of Oshimili North LGA in DSIEC Ward 13, Units 3 and 30.
…Nothing Compares With The Beauty Of Democracy, Says DTHA Speaker
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, voted at Okerenkoko Ward, Unit 17, for the Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates of his choice in the local government elections in the State.
The Speaker, who was accredited for the civic exercise, alongside some of his aides and relatives that shared the same voting unit, casted his votes at exactly 11:20am.
The exercise was hitch-free as voters maintained decorum and were orderly while they waited for their turns to cast their votes.
It was gathered that officials of the DSIEC, including the adhoc staff arrived the wards early, the development that exited the electorates for not having to wait so long to perform their franchise.
Security agencies were also involved and strategically positioned to ensure peace and order before, during and beyond the voting process.
Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor who was elated by the large turnout of voters in the ward, said nothing can be compared to democracy as it allows the electorates to pick their leaders.
Rt. Hon. Guwor commended the people for their commitment to the development and growth of democratic governance, assuring that by doing so they will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The Speaker, who represents Warri South West in the House, said that from feelers across his constituency, the voting exercise were going on smoothly as at the time of the interview, even as he expressed confidence that the entire process will end in praise.
The Speaker commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership in the state and for ensuring that the local government election was conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures in the conduct of elections.
…Elumelu, Okwuofu, Chinye, Njiokwuemeni, Osuoza, Odigie, Egwunyenga Laud DSIEC
Expressing their opinion on the election, the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, PDP chieftain, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, the Diretor=General Job Creation office, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga and others, said the turnout of voters was impressive.
Speaking to journalists after voting at the Kanidinma Primary School, Onicha-Uku, Aniocah North local government area, under Ward One, Chjief Elemelu acknowledged the enormous role of DSIEC in the area of voter education and of course, its proactive arrangement for security.
He further conformed the impressive nature of the election to the character, capacity and competence of the PDP Chairmanship candidate, Hon. Emma Chinye, whom he said was massively supported by all leaders in the area.
According to him, “This is the first time that all the leaders are coming together and speaking in one voice over Emma Chinye’s candidacy. It clearly shows that he is a man that has capacity and a man ready to pilot the affairs of the Council.
“I must also commend my people for their resilient commitment to the PDP in line with our leadership disposition and style. For this election, I have no doubt they will deliver in favour of the PDP”, Elumelu posited.
At Issele-uku in Ward Eight, Unit Four, the Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly and member representing Aniocha North Constituency, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi said there is no opposition as far as PDP is concerned.
At Ward 3, Obomkpa, the veteran politician and Mother of Government, Chief Nkem Okwuofu ascribed the victory she envisaged to hard work by the PDP.
She said PDP has done well and deserves victory at all levels of the contest.
Meanwhile, the man in the eyes of the election and chairmanship candidate of the PDP, Hon. Emma Chinye expressed confidence that he would win the election based on his vigorous campaigns and feelers at his disposal.
He appreciated the people of Aniocha North for choosing him to administer the Council, promising he would not disappoint them when he eventually emerges as the Chairman.
Also, the political Leader of Issele-Mkpitime under Ward Five, voting at Unit Six and former Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Krees Njiokwuemeni lauded his people for coming out en masse to vote in the election, describing the turnout as victory for PDP.
…‘The Exercise Was Credible’ – Osuoza
The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza who voted at Nkeze Primary School, Idumuje-Ugboko was in high spirit and confident of victory for the PDP.
He said, “The election has been so peaceful and very credible. As at 6:30am all eligible voters had come out in anticipation of the election. Thank God DSIEC came early too. This is also to thank the Governor for the MORE Agenda performances so far.
“Interestingly, feelers are already hinging victory to PDP. The opposition parties know their limit, they should oppose with common sense and not just hoping for victory when they are not bringing anything to the table.
“Those that are coming in elected should work to meet up with the expectation of the Governor and the yearnings of the people. Thank God for the Local Government Financial Autonomy; it is very good but don’t forget that Delta State has always augmented the local government funds.
“Once again, I commend DSIEC for a good job. The process is seamless and nobody can fault it because of the level of transparency”, Osuoza explained.
Equally, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Daniel Odinigwe-Odigie appreciated the people of Obomkpa for their peaceful nature, and by extension Aniocha North people for supporting PDP massively to continue to govern Delta across all levels of Government.
Another vibrant youth, who has made credible mark in politics and governance is the State Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, while speaking to newsmen at his polling unit in Ogbe-Utu Primary School, Issele-uku, acknowledged the tasking function of DSIEC and how they exceeded the expectation of the people by raising the bar in the conduct of the latest Local Government election.
Also at Martin Primary School, Issele-uku voting centre, the Director-General of the PDP campaign organization in Aniocha North and former Council Chairman, Hon. Jaunty Okwudi said PDP campaigned with all seriousness and deserved the victory that they expected.
…Delta Lawmaker Lauds Voters’ Turnout
The Lawmaker representing Oshimili South Constituency at the Delta House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, yesterday, commended voters for turning out for the Local Government election in the State.
Anyafulu, who voted at about 11.35 a.m. at Ward 10, Unit 1 in Umudiake quarters of Asaba, said the turnout was encouraging. She also commended the voters for conducting themselves peacefully without any form of rancour.
“I commend the electorates for coming out to cast their votes without waiting for people to remind them of the need to exercise their franchise.
“Things are changing; politics is not like before. People now come out willingly to cast their votes without anybody forcing them to do so.
“Today, they are now seeing changes in the affairs of governance in Oshimili South and Delta State at large,” she said.
Anyafulu, who is the Chairman, Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services, and Girl-Child Entrepreneurship, commended the women for their participation. “I want to thank the women that came out to vote. Coming out to execute their civil rights will enable them to demand accountability from Counselors, Chairmen, and even the Governor at any given time.
“I have found out that when you vote for your leaders, you should be able to ask them questions on accountability,” she said.
The lawmaker, therefore, advised would-be elected council chairmen to be closer to their constituents, who had come out to vote without being induced.
…Election Materials Arrive Omadino, Obodo Late
The 2024 Local Government elections in Ogwa Units, 6, 7 , 8 and 9 in Warri South, Omadino and Obodo Wards did not start early as Election materials and officials of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) did not arrive until 9:50am.
The DSIEC officials arrived in company of some security agents and the distribution of materials commenced at 10:20am. Accreditation of voters and ballot casting started at about 11am simultaneously.
One of the election supervisors, at Omadino Ward, Mr. Samuel Ekpoh, who spoke to The Pointer said the election was peaceful and devoid of any rancour. He affirmed the people were orderly noting that the election was not as competitive as the governorship and presidential election.
At Obodo Wards I and 2, the election also went on peacefully as voters were seen casting their votes peacefully. Voting at Obodo ward ended at about 1:20pm, while collation took place immediately.
Also at Unit 10 and 12, Units in Omadino, voting and collation were peaceful as the process ended at 1pm.
…Rain Delays Arrival of Electoral Officials, Materials in Ogwashi-Uku
As Delta people head to the polls for Local Government elections, morning downpour disrupted the distribution of electoral materials to the various voting centres in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta.
The election of council Chairmen and Councilors would be held in the 5,863 polling units, 500 wards, and 25 local government areas of the State.
The rain, which started at about 7.25 a.m., delayed the arrival of election officials and ad hoc staff to the distribution centre.
When newsmen called at the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) Distribution Office at Ikelike quaters, Ogwashi-Uku, many poll agents and ad hoc staff were seen waiting for officials to arrive and distribute materials.
An ad hoc staff, Mrs. Joyce Ijeh, told journalists that the delay was caused by the early morning rain.
Ijeh said “they asked us to come here by 7.30 a.m., many of us came here under the rain. We have been waiting for over two hours now but nothing has happened. It is 10.45 a.m. now. Some of the officials are just coming now due to the rain.
“However, once the materials are distributed, everyone will leave for the various polling units”, Ijeh said.
…Voters Allege Insufficient Materials In Ika
Meanwhile in Ward Three, Ika South Local Government Area, our correspondent observed that many voters were stranded as a result of the shortage of electioneering materials.
Youths, who spoke to our correspondent in an interview (names withheld) alleged that only two booklets were given to each polling unit; a booklet for the Chairmanship election and one booklet for councillorship election, which comprises 100 copies only.
They claimed that the electioneering materials finished as early as noon but they were optimistic that more materials would arrive as promised (at the time of filing this report).
As of 2:15 pm, no more materials were sent to the various polling units, which comprises Idumukwu unit 10, Umukwe unit 11, Aliogor unit 12 and Ahima unit 13. The election officials have no choice but to count the votes.
…Aniocha North PDP Chairmanship Candidate, Chinye, Hails Process
In Aniocha North Local Government Area, our correspondent observed that the election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, as voters exercised their democratic rights.
At Onicha-Olona, election materials arrived on time, while ad-hoc staff started with the accreditation of voters before actual voting commenced.
Speaking to The Pointer after casting his vote, the Chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Local Government Area, Hon Emma Chinye described the process as the best election so far in the council area, while expressing satisfaction with the performance of the election umpire (DISEC).
At Ubullubu Community, the story was the same. The DISEC staff brought election materials on time and the locals began voting at about 11 am.
At Issele-Uku, Issele-Mptime, Obior, Issele-Azagba, Aniofu, Ezi, Issele-Mkpitme and other communities, our correspondent observed that the election was conducted in decorum, while the people voted for their choices.
…NYSC Ad Hoc Staff Go AWOL In Oshimili South
The polls in Oshimili South Local Government Area, Ward 11 Uzoigwe Primary School Asaba, were low-keyed but peaceful, The Pointer observed.
As at 10.30 am, election materials arrived with accreditation and voting exercise commencing simultaneously.
Earlier, the electoral officer, Mr. Albert Edeki, who spoke with our correspondent, disclosed that the voting materials arrived from the DISEC Office at 10 am, for the 27 polling units under Ward 11.
He, however, faulted the absence of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were co-opted to serve as presiding officers and polling clerks but who deviated from doing their jobs.
According to him, they accepted the offer to participate in the exercise but failed to turn up. He noted that their absence did not deter the DISEC officers from registering and commencing the voting exercise immediately.
The majority of the voters who came to exercise their franchise at the Uzoigwe primary school units 3;4;5 and 6, complained bitterly about the lack of vehicles to convey them to their voting centres.
…Sen Nwoko Monitors Election In Idumuje
Meanwhile, the election at Idumuje-Unor, Aniocha North Local Government Area was peaceful as voters cast their votes without hindrance.
The presence of party agents was not noticed as they all came to the polling units without their party’s identities but simply queued to cast their votes for their preferred candidates.
The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Sen Ned Nwoko was at Idumuje to observe the election and expressed his satisfaction with the process.
One of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the area, Elder Clement Mohanye expressed optimism his party would win the election because of the massive campaign before the election.
Another stakeholder, the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborenvwori, Comrade Norbert Chiazor lauded the process.
…Voters Massively Exercise Franchise in Isoko’S Amidst Torrential Rainfall
The local government poll was almost disrupted by torrential rainfall as most units visited by our Isoko South Correspondent were yet to receive polling materials as at 9.30am.
All the units visited by The Pointer include unit 7, 6, 9, 19, 22, 23, 25 and 26 witnessed late arrival of materials. In unit 6 and 22 had their voting materials on ground as at 10am, waiting for voters’ turn up to exercise their franchise.
Speaking with the Presiding Officer in Unit 9, Oleh Ward 1, Goodluck Iruoghene noted that the people were eager to vote adding that their disposition towards sustaining and implementing democratic values at all cost should be applauded.
The Isoko South chairmanship candidate, Mr. Warri Voke, who spoke with The Pointer opined that the election was free and fair, adding that the awareness created by the People Democratic Party (PDP) resulted in tremendous turnout of voters at their various polling units.
…Warri South Voters Defy Rain To Vote
Despite persistent rainfall, voters in Warri South Local Government Area turned out in significant numbers for yesterday’s local government council polls. The elections were widely regarded as peaceful and orderly by respondents, including political party members, voters, and security agents.
Dr. Michael Tidi, the immediate past Executive Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, praised the conduct of voters in Edjeba Ward 10 and other wards. Similarly, Mrs. Ann Divine Inniovosa, the immediate past Vice Chairman, expressed confidence that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would dominate the polls in Warri South.
Prominent figures, including former PDP Chairman Hon Amah Agbajor and Chief Peter Ovie Okpeh, lauded the elections as the most peaceful and orderly in recent times. Chief Emeka Odili, Chairman of the Lower Erejuwa Motor Spare Parts Association, was pleased with the high turnout of his association members. Chief Suny Popo, PDP leader of Ogunu/Ekurede Urhobo Ward, noted the elections’ credibility despite the rain affecting voter turnout. Former Super Eagles Midfielder Edama Fuludu (MON) also expressed optimism about PDP’s performance.
…PDP In Early Lead In Oshimili South
The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) Ward 10 witnessed a peaceful election yesterday, as voting commenced smoothly in Units 10 and 20. At 10:50 AM, the atmosphere was calm and orderly, with police presence ensuring security. By 2:34 pm, ballot papers were counted, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious.
In the same ward, Units 3, 4, 12, and 13 experienced high voter turnout. The election was conducted peacefully, with the PDP winning both the Councilorship and Chairmanship elections. The party secured a total of 85 votes, reflecting significant support from the electorate.
Over in DSIEC Ward 9, Units 1 through 5, the Red Cross and police were present to maintain order. Despite a slight delay due to weather conditions, with materials arriving around 9:30 AM, the election proceeded without incident. Voters turned out in large numbers, contributing to a smooth electoral process.
