Bayelsa: Residents make last minute journey to hinterland

Residents of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State are traveling out of the capital city to their respective villages, especially in the hinterland, to enable them cast their votes in the governorship election.

The incumbent governor, Duoye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will be slugging it out with Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Udengs Eradiri of Labour Party, on Saturday.

Some residents who spoke with our reporter in Yenagoa said they were traveling to beat the 12am deadline of movement restriction.

Security agencies have restricted movement from 12am on Friday to 4pm on Saturday.

A resident of Ekeki, Yenagoa, Tony Sami, said he decided to travel early so as not to be trapped in the state capital.

“You know that from 12am this night, there will be restriction of movement. So, I have to travel on time. I need to move on time so as not to be trapped. I want to exercise my civic responsibility and would not like to be trapped in the capital city,” he said.

A resident of Agwora, outskirts of Yenagoa, Alarila Jane, said she had to close on time as to enable her travel to her village for the election.

Alarila, who works in one of the hotels in Agwora, said she turned 18 this year and would like to cast her vote in Saturday’s election.

“I don’t want this golden opportunity to elude me. I turned 18 this year and will be exercising my franchise for the first time. So, because of the restrictions of movement which will take effect from 12am this night, I will be traveling this afternoon to enable me arrive my village in Odi on time and exercise my civic responsibility. As a first-time voter, I will not like to miss this wonderful opportunity to elect who will be my governor,” she said.

When our correspondent visited Ekeki motor park, Brass and Southern Ijaw jetty, some residents were seen making efforts to board boats to their respective destinations.