Crisis rocks CGC elections in Okigwe South

Confusion reigned at the Community Government Council elections held at the various autonomous communities at Obowo, Ihitte-Uboma and Ehime-Mbano LGAs respectively On Saturday March 8.

At Ehime Mbano LGA, Executive Secretaries deployed as presiding officers for the CGC elections ran away to escape harm by angry voters.

The areas badly affected include, Ezeala Ezike, Ibeama-Okwu, Nneano and Nsu autonomous communities where a free for all fight ensued as people armed with clubs, sticks and dangerous weapons stormed the polling units to disrupt the elections.

Other communities affected include Umualumaku-Umuhim, Ibeafor Umunumo, Umuezeala Nsu, Umunumo, Agbaja and Umuezeala Ogwara Autonomous Communities.

The protesters were agitating that zoning arrangements were flouted with reckless abandon. The most affected areas include the communities with Ezeship dispute. Some of these communities are polarized as a result of the Ezeship tussle.

The lack of adequate security at the various pooling units also contributed in no small measure to undermine the elections.

The local vigilante were used as security personnel at the elections as there were no police men found in any of the polling areas.

At Obowo LGA, there were fracas and disturbances at Odenkume, Okenalogho, Umuariam, Ikenanzizi and Achingali, as violence broke out at intervals.  Many people sustained injuries even as some miscreants tore result sheets.

In Ihitte Uboma LGA, places like Umuderim Abueke Onicha Ubom, Okwuohia, Nkumeato and Isinweke area also witness violence. There were a stalemate and break-down of law and order at various places.

Our reporter had to escape through the bush part to avoid harm by angry youths.

Positions contested at the CGC elections include, Woman Leader, Youth Leader and the President General. Traditional Rulers were barred from coming to the polling units.

The leader spokes with Lady Chioma Ogoke, the Interim Management Committee Chairman of Ehime Mbano LGA and she Observed that elections should not be a do or die affair.

According to her, the tussle for who wins is a normal practice in democratic elections.

Lady Chioma Ogoke was seen addressing reporters from various electoral officers and members of the community who were agitating for one thing or the other.

 

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