Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has expressed disappointment over the inability of the INEC BVAS machines to function properly, saying it shows that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC is not fully prepared for the elections, despite its claims.
The Governor, after several attempts and delays at his polling unit, finally cast his vote at about one pm. local time while his wife could not due to the malfunctioning BVAS machines.
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Speaking to journalists after, Governor Wike also expressed fear that a lot of voters will for no fault of theirs be denied the right to vote in Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in the company of his wife arrived his polling unit 7 in ward 9, in Obio Akpor Local Government Area…
Governor Wike, who arrived at about 9:30 am full excitement, was, however, greeted with disappointment as he and his wife could not be accredited due to the malfunctioning BVAS machines
After several attempts and about thirty minutes later, the Governor was asked to go and come back… a situation he did not find funny.
And, after tinkering with the machines without any results, the elections officials, two hours later, decided to return them to the INEC office for replacement.
They came back at about a quarter to one local time with a set of new BVAS machines.
The anxious voters could not contain their excitement as they jostled for accreditation
Governor Wike appeared a few moments later, this time around cleared to cast his vote.
But the story was not the same with his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike; as the BVAS machines malfunctioned again
Governor Nyesom Wike is also worried that just like his wife, many other voters will be denied the right to cast their votes in Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections.
After waiting a few more hours without success, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike went back home, not able to exercise her right to vote for the candidates of her choice.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
