Poor turnout in Gombe areas as voters laud Buhari over naira redesign

Some voters in Billiri communities have commended President Muhammadu Buhari over naira redesign policy to curb vote buying and other electoral malpractices.

The voters gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Billiri communities of Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The voters, however, decried the poor turn-out of voters in their polling unit when compared to the 2019 general elections.

Mr Gimba Meshack from Ladongor polling unit in Billiri, said he came out at 7.30a.m. but met no one at his polling unit.

He said the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some security personnel finally arrived at 8.05am arrived.

Meshack said he came out with his wife to exercise their civic responsibilities in view of the measures taken by the Federal Government to organise a credible election.

He said that the naira redesign policy was good and would help address the challenge of vote buying and other electoral malpractices.

Hyacinth Galadima from same polling unit, said he was satisfied with the arrangement so far made in his polling unit as he had identified his name on the Voter’s register.

Galadima, who also commended the naira redesign policy by the Federal Government, said it would help ensure that only credible candidates were elected.

“Many of those voters who usually collect money from politicians could not get the money probably that is why some of them are not here.

“In 2019, many persons were approached with cash but this time around no one came with such cash to buy votes; so the policy is good.

“I support President Buhari on this policy, it is good because he wants to leave a good legacy behind.”

Ibrahim Mamman, from Jauro Layi polling unit, said though the policy affected voters’ turn-out as many could not get enough cash to come back home to cast their votes but maintained that the policy was good.

NAN Correspondent, who visited Gombe South observed along the road from Kumo through Billiri, that there were pastoralists tending to their cattle while cars and heavy duty trucks were parked at various check points as security operatives denied them passage.

Isa Audi, pastoralist from Ladongor polling unit, said his Permanent Voter Card was damaged and he didn’t go for replacement hence he couldn’t come out to vote.

Audi said some of his colleagues had gone out to vote, adding that he would have voted if he had replaced his card.