Some angry youths, on Saturday, attacked voters and journalists covering the presidential and National Assembly elections in the Liberty area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that youths attacked vehicles plying the Liberty-Oke Ado road, especially those on election duty.
One of the vehicles attacked by the youths was occupied by members of the NAN crew who were on the move in the city to monitor the elections.
The youths bemoaned the distress they are experiencing due to the current shortage of fuel and the new naira notes, saying the government should resolve the issue before talking about elections.
However, they were later prevailed upon to lay down their swords and refrain from doing anything that could harm the smooth running of the election.
Meanwhile, the National Vice Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party, Chairman Taofeek Arapaja, condemned the actions of the youth.
He advised us not to anger innocent citizens, especially journalists who are doing their legitimate work.
Arapaja noted that the current state of the country affects everyone and there is no reason to attack others.
“Although anything that affects the livelihood and well-being of the people may affect the electoral process, but what can be done?
“However, I don’t understand why our people are angry at journalists who are doing their legitimate work. They are part of us and also share what the voters tell us.
“I don’t understand why they have to be attacked?
“It should not be attacked, but you know our people, when they are angry and want to show their anger, they can burn houses and do different things.
“I think it’s very painful, frustrating and that’s why we’re going through this,” he said.
While in Ibadan North Ward 3, unit 36, Yemetu Oja, the officials arrived at 10.10am while the officials of pollingunit 60 in the same location have not arrived yet.
The Presiding Officer, Abosede Akinade, attributed the delay to INEC’s failure to release the election materials on time.
Akinade expressed optimism that he would meet the election deadline.
The voter, Alhaji Kamil Omotosho, blamed INEC for what he called inadequate planning, before the election, advising the commission to rectify any anomalies ahead of the March 11 governorship election.