Some residents of Awka, the Anambra capital, on Friday travelled to their various communities ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
Our correspondent monitored activities at major motor parks in the city, including Unizik Junction, Aroma Eke Awka and Amawbia Bypass.
The correspondent observed increased vehicular movement as people boarded vehicles to their hometowns.
Some travellers who said they were eager to participate in the election and exercise their civic responsibility.
Ms Chizoba Okeke, a civil servant, said she was travelling to Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area to cast her vote.
“My polling unit is at my village in Umunze. I have not been able to transfer it 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, described voting as a duty 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.
Similarly, Mr Nnamdi Mbah, who was travelling to Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area, said he wanted his vote to count.
“I just hope and pray 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.
The correspondent observed that commercial drivers maintained normal fares despite the increased number of passengers.
Meanwhile, there was heavy security presence around strategic locations in Awka, including the INEC headquarters, Government House, Government Lodge, and Aroma Junction.
Security operatives manned checkpoints and patrolled major roads.
Armoured personnel carriers were positioned near key government installations.
The Anambra governorship election will hold across the 21 local government areas of the state on Saturday.
