vigilance group disturbs journalists

Last Saturday’s postponed National Assembly election was marred by violence in Ebonyi State and there were threats to lives of voters and journalists who monitored the election. The election was full of bitter experiences as the electorate perceived to be members of the opposition party were prevented from gaining access to some polling units in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.

Members of the vigilance group used motorcycle, planks and other items to block the road leading to the polling unit at Unity Primary School, Umaovu.

Accredited Journalists were also prevented by the youths from monitoring the election. The youths insisted that they must get the permission of their “oga” before newsmen could be allowed access.

It took the intervention of security personnel to allow journalists entry into the polling unit. When contacted, the Council Chairman Hon Sunday Inyima denied sending any youth to prevent people from entering the polling unit.

Electoral officers in the different Local Government Areas of the state also made reporting the election very difficult as they gave contradictory information.

The use of Black Maria to convey Corp members and electoral materials to the wards in Ohaukwu as a result of inadequate provision of vehicle by INEC would have been amusing i it was not dehumansing. The wait continues.

There was violence in some Local Government Area in the state despite heavy presence of military personnel.