By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Major cities in Anambra State, including Awka and Onitsha, are witnessing heavy security presence and last-minute purchases ahead of the governorship election in the state on Saturday, November 8.
According to reports, there is unusual calmness in the environment amid heavy presence of security personnel stationed at flashpoints and strategic locations of communities with unhindered pedestrian and vehicular movements.
There was also a heavy movement of security personnel with armoured vehicles on major streets of the state.
Security personnel were seen around the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra and its surroundings, with vehicular movements being diverted to the other routes.
Recall that the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Anambra, Abayomi Shogunle, on Thursday, disclosed that the number of security personnel deployed for the poll had been increased from 45,000 to 55,000 officers.
He said the measure is to ensure adequate protection of voters, electoral officials, and election materials across the 21 local government areas and secure 5,720 polling units in the state.
Apart from security presence, it was also observed that residents of the state besieged various markets on Friday to make last-minute purchases to avoid being caught unawares.
Although the restriction of movement that usually accompanies election exercises has not been officially announced by the authorities concerned, residents anticipate that there will be no movement on Saturday.
There was observable increase in market activities in major cities, including Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, Ekwulobia, and Awka, recording high volume of buyers and sellers engaging in one transaction or the other.
Apart from the markets, various motor parks also bubbled with heavy activity as commuters were seen travelling to their various destinations where they intend to cast their votes.
The motor park at UNIZIK Junction Market along the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway, Goodness and Mercy Motor Park in Upper Iweka, Onitsha, and New Triangle in Nnewi, among others, saw a heavy presence of commuters on Friday waiting to board vehicles to their various destinations.
Residents and motorists were also seen making last-minute purchases at petrol stations to avoid being stranded.
There were long queues of vehicles at the various petrol stations in the metropolis, including those buying fuel in jerry cans.
Residents were also seen at various Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point-of-Sale (POS) points to withdraw cash for purchases and other preparations ahead of the election.
It was reported that despite the rush and increased trading activities, the environment across the state remained calm and peaceful, with residents going about their normal business.
Ahead of the election, most hotels in various communities were observed to be already fully booked by election observers, journalists, party supporters, and voters.
