The city of Port Harcourt came to a standstill on Saturday during the local government elections in Rivers State.

Normally congested roads such as Slaughter Road, Ada George and Elekahia were free of traffic, except for police patrols and a few vehicles on essential duty. Shops, markets and malls across the city also remained closed.

With business activities halted, many young people converted major roads into football fields, using old tyres to set up goalposts.

Security operatives were stationed at strategic points to prevent unrest and ensure a peaceful voting process.

The elections, considered a major political event in the state, created an atmosphere of calm and caution across the capital city.