Joe Effiong, Uyo,
Former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, and the incumbent governor, Udom Emmanuel, have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state for the peace accord organised for all governorship candidates ahead of the elections.
However, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nsima Ekere, shunned the peace accord, as his party alleged he was harassed and denied access to the Ibom Hall, Uyo, venue for the event.
Speaking at the event, Attah said he has no doubt the electoral commission will conduct free, fair and credible elections in the state. He said Nigerians should be grateful to those notable leaders in the country, who started the peace accord process, adding that it would introduce sanity into the country’s electoral system.
The former governor of Akwa Ibom said he got worried when he thought collation of results in the general elections was still going to be manual, because collation had remained the major problem of Nigeria electoral process.
“But, listening to the Resident Electoral Commissioner today, explaining the method by which collation will be done, I feel quite satisfied that, indeed, there is a possibility and demonstration that election will now return to the people. We, politicians, turn out to be our own worst enemies.
“We deny ourselves the right to choose our leaders and who represents us; we transfer that responsibility to judges and the tribunals in their courts. If, indeed, we are going to have elections by INEC, and INEC is going to announce the results, what business has the court got to do with announcing of results. So, please take back your responsibility; it is a serious civic responsibility that you select who should lead you at whatever level, that means there should be no violence.
“Violence is not caused by INEC, but, politicians. I know the security agencies are ready to deal with you if you play violence, but, I appeal to you, please, there should be no violence, so we can have free, fair and credible elections, and be satisfied that those in position to lead us are those we selected.
“There has never been any doubt in my mind that free and fair elections form the bedrock of true democracy, and that is why I’m very impressed with what is happening here today, signing of this peace accord. I know Igini and I can say I have confidence in him. And, as we sign this accord, today, let us be sincere about it,” Attah said
On his part, Emmanuel, while fielding questions after signing the peace pact, said his participation demonstrated his commitment to peaceful elections in the state.
“First, let me thank the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and all members of the armed forces, including those who here to enable the process be done. I’m made to understand that what is written is written. For the fact that there is a commitment in writing, that would ensure peace, Heaven bears us witness. You see, election is part of democratic process, which leads to free, peaceful and credible elections.
“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 the security agencies.
“I want to believe if all hands are on deck, and we, as stakeholders talk to ourselves that we want a peaceful election, we will achieve it as a country,” the governor said.