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Security steep as Nigeria votes Security steep as Nigeria votes
(about 1 hour later)
Voting is underway in Nigeria's state polls after a late start in many parts.Voting is underway in Nigeria's state polls after a late start in many parts.
It is the winners of this Saturday's election who will wield the most effect on daily life for the 140m inhabitants of Africa's most populous state.It is the winners of this Saturday's election who will wield the most effect on daily life for the 140m inhabitants of Africa's most populous state.
The conduct and results of this vote at state level are being seen as a key test of the electoral process before the presidential vote next weekend.The conduct and results of this vote at state level are being seen as a key test of the electoral process before the presidential vote next weekend.
Tight security is in operation amid fears of violence instigated by gangs sponsored by rival politicians.Tight security is in operation amid fears of violence instigated by gangs sponsored by rival politicians.
President Olusegun Obasanjo says fraud or violence will not be tolerated.President Olusegun Obasanjo says fraud or violence will not be tolerated.
'Genuine fear''Genuine fear'
But in Port Harcourt - the largest city in the oil producing Niger Delta - the BBC's Alex Last says, "there's a genuine fear of violence and rigging".But in Port Harcourt - the largest city in the oil producing Niger Delta - the BBC's Alex Last says, "there's a genuine fear of violence and rigging".
HAVE YOUR SAY Despite all the odds associated with this election, Nigerians must play their part and exercise their rights Adeleye Adenola, Australia Are you voting?HAVE YOUR SAY Despite all the odds associated with this election, Nigerians must play their part and exercise their rights Adeleye Adenola, Australia Are you voting?
Our correspondent was at one polling station which had only been open for a few minutes when a gang of young men on motorcycles stormed it and made off with the ballot papers and the ballot box.Our correspondent was at one polling station which had only been open for a few minutes when a gang of young men on motorcycles stormed it and made off with the ballot papers and the ballot box.
Early on Saturday, suspected militants torched two police stations, killing seven policemen.Early on Saturday, suspected militants torched two police stations, killing seven policemen.
Meanwhile in the commercial capital Lagos - an opposition stronghold - the streets and freeways are abnormally quiet and the military is out in full force manning checkpoints at key road junctions.Meanwhile in the commercial capital Lagos - an opposition stronghold - the streets and freeways are abnormally quiet and the military is out in full force manning checkpoints at key road junctions.
Standing around
Many polling stations in different parts of the country opened several hours late.Many polling stations in different parts of the country opened several hours late.
The biggest issue in the elections is the future of my children, the future of Nigeria's children Eunice Folorunso Election voicesThe biggest issue in the elections is the future of my children, the future of Nigeria's children Eunice Folorunso Election voices
The BBC News website's Senan Murray is at a polling station in the Rukuba area of Jos in central Nigeria.The BBC News website's Senan Murray is at a polling station in the Rukuba area of Jos in central Nigeria.
He says eager voters are standing around in long queues, under the sun, waiting to cast their ballot.He says eager voters are standing around in long queues, under the sun, waiting to cast their ballot.
Electoral officers only turned up just before midday to open the polling station.Electoral officers only turned up just before midday to open the polling station.
Voter Yakubu Ropshak, 27, said: "We are waiting and we are not going anywhere until we vote."Voter Yakubu Ropshak, 27, said: "We are waiting and we are not going anywhere until we vote."
Important indicator
Our correspondent says that already there have been pockets of violence in some parts of the country where election materials have been destroyed and electoral officers attacked.Our correspondent says that already there have been pockets of violence in some parts of the country where election materials have been destroyed and electoral officers attacked.
Standing around
In north-eastern Bauchi state an office block belonging to the Independent National Election Commission (Inet) was burnt by protestors in Gamawe village.In north-eastern Bauchi state an office block belonging to the Independent National Election Commission (Inet) was burnt by protestors in Gamawe village.
Resident election commissioner, Aniedi Abasi-Ikiowar told our correspondent that the destruction of the office building would not affect voting in the area.Resident election commissioner, Aniedi Abasi-Ikiowar told our correspondent that the destruction of the office building would not affect voting in the area.
And in the Asari-Toro local government area of Rivers State an Inet van was attacked and escorts were shot at by unknown gunmen.And in the Asari-Toro local government area of Rivers State an Inet van was attacked and escorts were shot at by unknown gunmen.
These polls to decide Nigeria's state governors are an important indicator of how free and fair the presidential polls will be.These polls to decide Nigeria's state governors are an important indicator of how free and fair the presidential polls will be.
They are also important as state governors can be extremely powerful - with budgets of around $1bn, especially in oil-rich states.They are also important as state governors can be extremely powerful - with budgets of around $1bn, especially in oil-rich states.