Ondo South by-election: Taxi drivers and locals ignore travel ban directive

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Some residents of Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State moved freely on Saturday despite a restriction order announced ahead of the Ondo South Senatorial by-election.

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The police command in the state had announced restrictions on human and vehicular movement from 6.00a.m. to 6.00p.m. across the senatorial district on Saturday to ensure security during the election.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the by-election is being held across the six local government areas of Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo.

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A check by NAN correspondents in the Okitipupa metropolis revealed that many residents were moving freely, while commercial activities were ongoing as shops were opened for business.

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NAN also reports that many commercial motorists and Okada riders were busy picking passengers from one area to another without any restriction.

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Checks by NAN across major inter-state motor parks operating in Okitipupa revealed that transporters did not comply with the restriction order.

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Mrs Iyabo Aderanti, a passenger travelling to Akure, described the by-election as “just a filler for a vacant position”.

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“I have a business meeting to catch up with, and this election is not a serious one; I just have to go for my business, which will fetch me better money,” she said.

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Mr Niyi Akindele, a commercial driver, also said, “Everything is skyrocketing now, and one needs to work hard to make ends meet, so I can’t lose today’s money because of the by-election.”

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A visit to polling units 14, 16, and 17, Ward 1, in Okitipupa revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc staff arrived early with sensitive and non-sensitive materials.

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Police officers were also seen manning polling units visited as voters queue for accreditation.

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Miss Jade Babalola, one of the INEC ad hoc staff, told NAN that she and her colleagues arrived at their polling unit at about 7:00a.m. and were ready to perform the assigned duties.

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“We have been here since 7:00a.m., and as you can see, we have arranged the ballot box and cubicle, and all the materials are here; we are only waiting for the voters to be here,” she said. (NAN)

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