7th January, 2011
Despite the restriction on movement of persons by the government during Thursday’s governorship re-run in Delta, traders and commercial motorcyclists in Asaba performed their normal businesses. 
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that human and vehicular movements were also observed at Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa in Aniocha South and Oshimili North Local Government Areas.
Most petty traders, kiosk owners, GSM recharge card dealers, commercial motorcyclists and taxis operated at full capacity in many towns in the state.
Some of the operators told NAN that they could not find their voters’ cards, adding that rather than being idle, they decided to work and make some money.
Mrs. Rita Kess, kiosk operator, said her business was located in her home and rather than staying idle,“I had to open it to serve the people.
“Initially, I didn’t want to open but pressure from neighbours, who wanted one thing or the other, made me to open the kiosk.
“Sincerely, the market was better today than the previous days,†she said. Mr. Victor Obiora, a commercial motorcyclist, said he was aware of the restriction on movement but was surprised to note that other cyclists were operating.
“I walked back home and picked my Okada and resumed work. “I must say the truth that some of our men traveled home because of the election.
“So, we made more money today carrying voters to various destinations to enable them to vote,†he said.
Obiora said he could not vote because he registered in Imo before coming back to Delta.
Miss Chioma Fumnaya, who sells snacks, said she provided a lot of relief to voters whose centres were close to her shop. “In fact, my shop was a stop over for the voters and I recorded high sales, especially in the sales of sachet water, minerals and snacks to sooth their hunger while they waited for election materials.
“I think the election did not stop us from selling and whether I vote or not, my voting will not determine the result of election,†she said.
Mr. Ken Ailemen, a taxi driver, said the election offered him an opportunity to make some money.
“I got a hire for N8,000 to carry some election observers to various voting centres around Asaba for few hours.
“This comes on rear occasion, so today is one of my happiest days,†he said.
It was observed that despite the free movements in some parts of the state, the governorship re-run was peaceful, calm and orderly.
