Election: Ekere, Sen Akpabio boycott INEC peace accord parley in A’ Ibom

Isaac Job, Uyo

As activities for smooth conduct of 2019 general election continues, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom, Obong Nsima Ekere and all the chieftains of the party in Akwa Ibom including Senator Godswill Akpabio have shun the peace accord meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom. Ekere who arrived Ibom Hall venue of the peace accord meeting few hours later after Governor Emmanuel and his entourage were already seated and he (Ekere) attempted to force his way into the hall from the main door close to Governor Emmanuel as the meeting between INEC and other stakeholders in 2019 general election was in progress. The action was viewed by security agents as a breach of protocol and directed Obong Nsima Ekere to use the back door into the hall but he stormed out in annoyance with all the APC chieftains who accompanied him to sign the peace accord with the electoral umpire. But the All Progressives Congress (APC) party in reaction to the incident has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of barring its governorship candidate from participating in signing the peace accord. In a statement issued in Uyo yesterday, the state Chairman of APC, Hon Ini Okopido said the PDP government officials who moderated INEC event and their security operatives defied all entreaties by Ekere to be led into hall to participate in the exercise. “Obong Ekere entreaties to be let in to participate in the ceremony, including his explanations that he (Ekere) had to attend a previously scheduled prayer submit at the Methodist Church, Itiam, Uyo were turned down by government officials. Our candidate had to turn back.” Okopido described the incident as unfortunate capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral umpire. “It is unfortunate and demonstrates once again our position that INEC in Akwa Ibom should show impartiality to all candidates and maintain neutrality in its conduct.” “We completely object to officials of the PDP state government mode rating and taking charge of security at INEC function to which all political parties were invited as equals” He concluded that APC will continue to reject, oppose and resist every attempt to mortgage the independence and impartiality of the electoral body. Meanwhile, Governor Emmanuel has appreciated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for accelerating the peace process to guide the conduct of the forthcoming poll. “I am made to understand that what is written is written. For the fact that there is commitment in writing that will ensure peace. Heaven bear us witness. “Anybody who goes against this, I think heaven will leave him on his own .You see election is part of democratic process which lead to free and credible election. I think in this case security agencies have a whole lot of role to play because the blame is so much on politicians but the politicians won’t do anything if they don’t have the support of security agencies.” Responding, the Akwa Ibom state Resident Electoral Commissioner Mr Mike Igini has debunked rumour that he has been transferred from the state to Bayelsa. He urged all the parties to the peace deal to abide by letters of the agreement to ensure peaceful conduct of election in the state.