THERE was fracas between journalists and a police officer over alleged arrest of a supporter of one of the candidates in yesterday's governorship polls.
In Anyigba (university town), which is noted for political thuggery, there was major disagreement between supporters of two governorship candidates. A supporter of one of the candidates was reported to have been arrested with thumb-printed boxes and detained in the Divisional Police Station in the area.
But the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area denied detaining anybody for electoral offence. However, he failed to explain the whereabouts of owner of a light cream Toyota Jeep that was packed in front of the station, who, sources said, was detained.
Angered by the persistent media inquiries about the vehicle, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the stationengaged journalists covering the election in a hot argument. It took the timely intervention of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Jacob Eddy, to douse the tension created by the encounter.
The election was accompanied by heavy security presence in the state capital and other major towns, with military and police officers deployed to all spotlights. Though the exercise was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere, there were reports of a few clashes.
As early as 5.30am, contingents of security agents were positioned in various parts of the state capital. Residents were seen making last minute move to complete their assignments to avoid be caught up by restriction time imposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Candidate of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Capt. Ibrahim Idris Wada, voted at his ward in Odu Ogboyyaga community, Dekina Local Government Council, at 12:45 pm. Accompanied by his family members, he accredited at the same centre at 10:45am.
The Guardian