By JOY MBACHI

Awka metropolis and its environs are witnessing tight security presence and last minute readiness for the smooth electioneering process ahead of the Anambra governorship election slated for Nov. 8

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent who monitored the state activities reports that unusual calmness filled the environment.

NAN also reports that security presence were seen around the INEC headquarters in Anambra and its surroundings with vehicular movements being diverted to the local pathways.

Along Nibo-Nise in Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, security operatives were mounted at the flash points of the communities with unhindered pedestrian and vehicular movements.

Mrs Ifeoma Egbo a trader in Eke Awka market told NAN that there were tensions and uncertainty in the atmosphere over heavy security presence in the state.

Egbo said that the sounds of the air raids heightened the tension as if there might be trouble on the election day adding that there are security men in uniforms in almost all the areas.

She said that the presence of the security personnel and the air raids might scare most electorate away, especially elderly people.

Mrs Grace Anagor, a trader said that customers are trooping in great numbers to make their weekend buying as against what usually happens on none election weekends.

Anagor said that the security agents are however welcome as it reassured the people of government preparations for the election.

She therefore appealed that they operate professionally and with a human face.

NAN reports that the security outfit had revealed the presence of 60,000 police and military personnel to secure 5,720 polling units.

INEC also declared that it recorded 98.8 per cent PVC collection for the said election. (NAN)