Atleast forty four registered political parties in Akwa Ibom state under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have passed a vote of confidence on the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mike Igini for the demonstration of integrity in discharging his responsibility.
This is contained in a statement signed by the state Chairmen of the 44 opposition parties (excluding APC) yesterday in Uyo.
The statement reads, “We have noticed that after the Presidential and National Assembly elections in our State, the ‘Igini Must Go’ assemblage which had receded has been rekindled. The reason is not far-fetched. Despite monetary inducement, connections, influence and power play, Igini was uncompromising.
“He insisted that only the valid votes cast at the polling units and collated by the designated officers will count. This did not go down well with some political gladiators who hitherto thought that what money cannot do, more money can do.
“We applaud the unbending noble character of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, in the test offered by the scenario that played out at Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District elections”
The political parties said they have observed that those seeking the transfer of Mr Igini have continued to create spurious stories and blatant lies against the REC in a bid to discredit the just concluded election which was adjudged by their respective Units and party Agents and even International Observers as credible and transparent.
They called on National Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Mahmood Yakubu to discountenance the renewed calls for the redeployment of Igini, stressing that the calls by those trying to subvert the will of Akwa Ibom people at all cost.
“When they seek the redeployment of the REC, the question is, if he is not good enough to conduct elections here (in Akwa Ibom), which State will he be fit for. If Igini is removed, the world will know that INEC has bowed to pressure and sold the (forthcoming) elections to the APC”, they warned.
