There is massive security deployment in the commercial city of Onitsha and industrial hub of Nnewi, both in Anambra State.
This is because of two by-elections holding in both cities, one for the vacant seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly for Onitsha North 1 constituency and the other for the vacant seat in the Senate, for Anambra South Senatorial Zone.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah the senator who represented Anambra South Senatorial Zone had died last year, leaving the seat vacant, while Hon Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha North 1 constituency was kidnapped last year and later killed.
In Saturday’s by-election, THE RAZOR has witnessed massive deployment of mostly police and Civil Defense personnel to both places.
The spokesperson for Anambra State police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga told our correspondent that an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Godwin Eze has been deployed to head elections duty in the state.
Ikenga said: “He is the Supervisory Officer in charge of the election, and he has assured residents of adequate security throughout the exercise.
“He further urges Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security personnel, and to freely exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation.”
As at the time of filing this report, polling unit officials are still trickling into polling centres in Nnewi, while report has it that same is happening in polling units within Onitsha North 1 constituency too.
The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) will slug it out in Onitsha North.
While APGA is fielding Barr Mimih Ifeoma Azikiwe, who is said to be from the famous Ikpeazu dynasty and also married to the famous Azikiwe dynasty, ADC is fielding the wife of the slain lawmaker, Mrs Justina Azuka for his replacement, and has secured the support of Presidential hopeful, Mr Peter Obi, and the sympathy of many others.
Meanwhile, in the Anambra South Senatorial by-election, All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding Engr Azuka Okwuosa, in the hope to replace their party man, late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, while APGA is fielding Chief Emma Nwachukwu.
