Banks and Kogi State Government offices in Lokoja closed early on Friday, less than 24 hours away from the presidential election.
The offices visited by our correspondent in the state capital as early as 9am, witnessed low turnout of civil servants.
At the Kogi State Ministry of Education, offices were under lock and key while the ones opened had workers lazying around.
By 12noon, the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture had less than 10 workers in its premises, with many said to have either headed to their hometowns or did not come at all.
Crowds thronged the banks in the early hours of Friday to make last-minute transactions.
By noon, the Automated Teller Machines of some banks along the Murtala Muhammed Way in Lokoja ran out of cash.
Our correspondent also observed same in some other branches along the Olusegun Obasanjo road and Felele road areas of the state capital.
Some residents also used the opportunity to make last-minute buys of foodstuff and other household items.
A resident, Chioma Kalu, who spoke with our correspondent, said she was preparing for any ‘eventuality’.
“One does not know what can happen tomorrow; so I have stocked my house with food. Thank God I live alone.
“If I don’t collect this money now, they would have finished it before Sunday when we can come out. My own is to vote and go back home. Whoever wins, God already knows,” she said.
Another resident, Adeoye Shola, expressed disappointment with the inadequate preparations made by the banks.
He said, “It is really sad that it is at times like this that ATMs develop faults.
“Our banks should always be prepared for times when people will need their money. This is just like a public holiday and now we can’t withdraw our own money.
“I just can’t wait till this is all over.”
