As election officials stream into their various polling units in Ugep town, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, there is an air of quietness in the town as armed men of the Nigerian Army flood it.
The heavy military presence might not be unconnected to the crisis in the presidential elections, which led to the cancellation of elections in three polling units and the arrest of Godwin Ettah, the state Commissioner of finance and a former chairman of the local government council, “Bom Boy.”
The military has cordoned off the Ikom-Calabar Highway with an armoured personnel carrier, with another stationed close to the council headquarters, while other teams patrol within the community.
Prime Progress’ correspondent on the ground could not immediately take photos of the military men as they could cease his gadgets in their usual intimidating manner if they caught him taking pictures.
While the army patrols, voters have gathered around some polling units where elections officials have shown up.
In Yenon playground, voting materials have arrived, with officials setting up a canopy. It is the same at Biko Biko Playground and Yenon Junction.
As election officials arrive at various polling units in Ugep town, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, a heavy military presence is observed due to incidents during the presidential elections, including the arrest of the state Commissioner of finance and a former local government chairman. The Nigerian Army has secured the area with armoured vehicles and regular patrols. Despite the military's intimidating presence, voters are assembling at polling units where officials have arrived and are setting up voting materials, such as at Yenon playground, Biko Biko Playground, and Yenon Junction.
