Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has finally voted at his Polling Unit 7B, Ward 9 Rumueprikon, Obio-Akpor after initial hitches caused by Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
However, his wife, Suzzette, could not be accredited for the second time as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) begged her to come back again.
A crowd of voters was still stranded at the unit where the Governor voted as BVAS failed to work optimally.
The Governor appealed to INEC to extend the voting process in the affected area to 6 pm, insisting that he was disappointed at the Rivers scenario.
Wike said: “The system is not working well. I waited for about two hours yet the BVAS is still not very functional. I don’t want to begin to suspect any foul play.
“But the reports I have received from other polling units appear to be the same experience. You wonder why it should be happening to Rivers State. I don’t want to make any suspicion yet.
“I don’t think it is encouraging. I believe that they will extend the period till 6 pm. Most places started at 8:30am but we are just starting. I am not happy with the preparation of INEC.
“They are patiently staying in the sun to make sure that they cast their votes. Their patience cannot be taken for granted. Every Nigerian should be able to participate in this particular election.
“INEC should do everything within their power to ensure that people vote. If people don’t vote, people will not be happy”.
The Nation
