Joe Effiong, Uyo
Senator Godswill Akpabio has gone spiritual concerning his failure to return to the Senate saying he leaves Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Mike Igini, to God.
Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, the former Senate minority leader, whose local government, Essien Udim, was the only one in which APC won the governorship and House of Assembly elections, said although the results of the polls would be challenged at the tribunal, he had left Igini to his conscience.
The senator said APC won the elections at the polling units but lost at the INEC offices because the election umpire was biased against APC.
“I want to state categorically that those claiming victory, or those regarded as victors on the last election in Akwa Ibom State on the March 9, should regard it as a purchased victory. It was money at work. The people hopes were dashed.”
Akpabio wondered why his local government which gave the APC governorship candidate 74,000 votes at the local government collation centres, could be reduced to only 60,000 at INEC office.
He accused INEC of employing PDP members as collation officers, stressing that 99 per cent of the collation officers, especially, those sent to his local government area, were card- carrying PDP members.
“My prayer is that this is not what would befall Nigeria otherwise democracy is in perils.
“I don’t know why Mr Mike Igini chose to come and become such a biased umpire. He said he fought for democracy but I believe he is fighting to destroy our democracy. I will leave him to God.
” But in terms of the victory, I want to join the governorship candidate of our great party who clearly won in 26 of the 31 local government areas to say that we must explore all avenues to ensure that we retrieve our mandate,” Akpabio said.
But Igini speaking about the election said it was free, fair and credible.
“When we arrived back in Akwa Ibom one year, six months and ten days ago, we promised that we were going to deliver integrity-driven electoral process and that all old things must past away; that INEC has has the capacity to provide a fair chance for all candidates and political parties to go to the people; to earn the votes, and that the will of the people. This is what will determine the results; more so, when we know very well that what spice democracy is the opportunity for people to make a choice.
“That was what we promised; that was what we delivered. We provided leadership: the people the staff of the commission and the entire electorate of this state. That is what we have done.
“And going forward, we hope that what we have done today has brought about tremendous integrity according to the people of Akwa Ibom State be sustained in the foreseeable future,” Igini said.