#AnambraDecides: Residents express fear, hope ahead of poll

With less than 24 hours to the governorship election in Anambra state, residents in Awka, the state capital, have expressed mixed reactions over the poll.

Residents who preferred to remain anonymous told TheCable on Friday that the activities of gunmen may affect the turnout of voters on the election day.

FEAR OF ATTACKS

Attacks and killings have been on the rise in the state in recent months.

Although the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied being responsible for the attacks, its sit-at-home order has heightened tension in the state and other parts of the south-east.

On Thursday, the proscribed group cancelled its sit-at-home order in the south-east to allow people in Anambra to participate in the governorship election on Saturday.

Security agencies have deployed personnel to ensure a hitch-free election in the state.

However, a trader in Awka, told TheCable that despite the heavy deployment of security operatives, attacks may still be recorded during the election.

“Let me tell you, forget these security people that are everywhere,” the trader said.

“That day will be very hot. All these people they call unknown gunmen will deal with people mercilessly and I don’t have an extra life. I don’t want to die yet.”

A business owner at Arroma junction, Awka, said some of the security operatives cannot be trusted.

“I will not go anywhere that day. I love my life and I don’t want to make my children motherless yet,” the business owner said.

“The government said there will be many security people but I don’t even trust all the security people they are sending.”

A grocery seller at Ifite, Awka, said: “With the threat of lockdown and no election by the IPOB, nobody knows what will happen on Saturday and I’m not ready to gamble with my life.

“Secondly, I was not able to collect my permanent voter card (PVC) after locking my shop for one week and three days trying to get it at Ukwu-Oji close to Government House, Awka.”

HOPEFUL EXPECTATIONS

However, some residents, including public servants and petty traders, who spoke with TheCable, expressed confidence in the security agencies, adding that they will turn out for the election.