Some residents of Awka, the Anambra capital, on Friday travelled to their various communities ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who monitored activities at major motor parks in Awka reports that many people were seen travelling to their communities.
The parks visited included Unizik Junction, Aroma, Eke Awka and Amawbia Bypass Park.
It was observed that vehicular movement had increased as people boarded vehicles to their hometowns.
Some travellers who spoke with NAN said they were eager to participate in the election and exercise their civic duty.
Ms Chizoba Okeke, a civil servant, said she was travelling to Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area LGA, to cast her vote.
“My polling unit is at my village in Umunze, I have not been able to transfer my polling unit to Awka.
“It is a good thing that the state government declared today a work-free day to enable some of us residing and working in Awka to participate actively in the electoral process,” she said.
Another resident, Mrs Julie Abugu, a retired civil servant and trader, said voting is a duty that every responsible citizen should perform.
“I’m not opening my shop at all today because I must go to my community in Nnewi and vote. This is our chance to choose the right leader for our state,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Nnamdi Mbah, said he was travelling to Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area, adding that he wanted his vote to count.
“I just hope and pray that the election will be peaceful. INEC and security agencies should ensure the process is free and fair.
“It will give us confidence to go out and cast our votes, knowing that our votes will count,”he said.
Mr Emeka Onuorah, who was boarding a bus to Oko, said he could not afford to miss the election because he believes his vote will make a difference.
“I always travel to my community in Oko during election periods because I want to be part of the process. I believe my vote can make a difference,” he said.
Commercial drivers did not take advantage of the situation to increase transport fares.
Meanwhile, there was heavy security presence around strategic locations in Awka, including the INEC headquarters, Government House, Government Lodge and Aroma Junction.
Security operatives were seen manning checkpoints and patrolling major roads, while armoured personnel carriers were stationed near key government installations.
The Anambra governorship election will hold on Saturday, Nov. 8 (NAN)
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