Group applauds REC for credible poll in A’ Ibom

The Forum of Governorship Candidates in Akwa Ibom state (FORGAK), has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Resident Commissioner (REC) in the state for conducting credible and transparent Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

The commendation dominated discussions at a meeting held at Watbridge Hotels, Uyo, where they assessed the performance of INEC in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly poll in the state.

The forum described the elections as a key milestone in the country’s democratic development and advised candidates to abide by the outcome of poll in good faith.

 The group gave kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting the most transparent, free, fair, peaceful and credible elections across the country.

In a statement jointly signed by Ekong Eyo, governorship candidate of the YPP and Itoro Bassey governorship candidate of the GPN as chairman and Secretary respectively the group congratulated the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Barr Mike Igini, for exhibiting professionalism and neutrality despite reported threats, intimidation and blackmail before and during the election.

“We note with gladness that INEC deployment of its personnel and materials on Election Day was timely, efficient and has received accolades from all relevant stakeholders for a superlative performance.

The group further appreciated the State REC for ensuring that the just concluded elections complied with International Best Practice and Globally Accepted Standard in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act of 2010 as amended.

The forum which is made up of governorship candidates of 32 political parties in the state expressed satisfaction with e conduct of the elections stressing that “polling agents of our different political parties watched votes being counted at polling units.

“According to field reports, the announcement of the vote from each ballot was done clearly, and citizens were monitoring the process along with officials and party monitors. The final results were affixed at the individual polling units.

“We heartily congratulate the good people of Akwa Ibom for trooping out to the polls booth last Saturday, to elect the President and National Assembly members. So far, we make bold to state with all emphasis that, the outcome is a reflection of the will of the people as expressed at the polls.”

FORGAK also congratulates Akwa Ibom people for their civil, peaceful and orderly conduct by jealously guarding their mandate and proving that the will of the people is supreme in a democracy.

“We also identify with Candidates of various political parties for winning the keenly contested elections as announced by the electoral umpire and charge them to be humble and magnanimous in victory.

The group advised losers to avoid any act capable of truncating the peaceful atmosphere in the State, but, accept the outcome of the election in good faith and bow out graciously as election is not a do or die affair.

“We commend the police and other security services deployed within polling units maintained a low, non-intrusive profile and managed both queues and disputes in a calm, professional manner.

The group urged INEC to ensure the status quo of International Best Practice and Globally Accepted Standard in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act of 2010 as amended is maintained in the forthcoming Governorship and House of Assembly elections next week.