Enugu: Tension In Enugu As INEC Continues To Withhold Guber Results

The decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to halt the collation of the results of the Enugu governorship election held in 18th March has stirred a rising anxiety in the state.

The controversy arose following the presentation of over 30, 000 votes in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.

Labour Party’s agent, Eugene Edeoga, had complained that the local government collation officer claimed that BIVAS machines malfunctioned, hence he resorted to manual accreditation and voting.

Following the action, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, filed a petition alleging that Bimodal Voter Accreditation System was not used during elections at the LGA.

Since the suspension, supporters of both Labour Party and the PDP have been showing solidarity for their respective candidates, and even claiming victorious.

An Enugu-based businessman, Solomon Odo told journalists that, “We are apprehensive. I have never been political, but the recent development has gradually boxed me to a corner. (https://symboliamag.com) I have lost eating appetite in anticipation of who will be the next governor of our state. I support that the proper thing be done, but it should be done faster.”

A civil servant at the state ministry of justice, Moneke Okeke, also said, “People.are already having depression. It shows that our people are becoming conscious of their leaders. They voted and want their votes to count.”

For Eucharia Ogbodo, a lawyer, “Justice rushed is justice crushed. I agree that we have waited a long time, but if proper things were not done, a wrong precedence would be set, which will not be good for our democracy. INEC should be allowed to do the right thing.”

However, Nwabueze Ugwu, a constitutional lawyer said the results ought to have been declared while aggrieved parties settle their matters in court.

According to him, “The work of INEC is to collate results and declare, and not to interrogate such results. That aspect belongs to the judiciary, and that is why we have the tribunal.”