By Chidi Nkwopara

Imo State local council election recorded a huge turnout in most communities despite a two-day downpour.

It was observed that voting materials did not reach the polling booths early enough especially the rural communities because of the downpour.

At Ozara voting centre, Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, the immediate past deputy governor of Imo State, Chief Ebere Udeagu, told Sunday Vanguard that the turnout was impressive, despite the rain and late arrival of voting materials.

Answering a question, the presiding officer for Osuachara Ward 12, Mr. Joseph Ndukwe, said that over 250 persons had cast their votes as at 11.40a.m. when Sunday Vanguard visited.

Report from Nwangele Local Council Area alleged that an aspirant that was not cleared by Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) made spirited efforts to ignite confusion but was handled by security agents.

Addressing the issue when he arrived Nwangele Local Government headquarters, Governor Ikedi Ohakim warned that nobody can scuttle the wish of the people to elect their true representatives.

Ohakim said: “The power of the people has enveloped those who want to remain as political godfathers. The peoples’ vote must count in this election. This is the time to elect those we trust. We will no longer allow a few to continue dictating our collective affairs with impunity. I don’t mind if my party fails in this election.”

Continuing, the Governor warned that he will not hesitate to dethrone any traditional ruler that stains his royalty with partisan politics, stressing that the law will catch up with anybody that flouts the electoral law.