By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – Citizens in Plateau State have begun going out to cast their votes in the ongoing local government elections as heavy security presence is observed in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
An observation in the city shows the security presence with Armoured Personnel Carriers belonging to the Police, along with other security vehicles, stationed at strategic locations in the city.
Citizens who were seen during the monitoring going about their activities in the early hours of the day are now moving to their polling stations as security operatives on duty are guarding against any breakdown of law.
As of the time of filing this report, voting had commenced across the LGAs, however, some voters have complained about voting materials not getting to their polling units at the time of the report.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has described the exercise as peaceful and well-coordinated.
He spoke after casting his vote at his Pushik 1 polling Unit in Ampang West, Mangu Local Government Area, at about 9:15 am and praised the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC for ensuring a seamless electoral process, designed to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.
“The exercise has commenced in earnest. As I drove from Jos through Barkin-Ladi to Mangu, I observed enthusiastic voters heading to their polling units to cast their votes. I’m pleased to have cast my vote. The process is smooth and much faster than the BVAS machines used in general elections. Due to the peaceful nature of the exercise and the maturity displayed by voters, security personnel have had little to do,” he said.
