Friday, March 27, 2015

We’ve no confidence in Akwa Ibom REC – APC

The Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Samuel Udobong, has said the party does not  have confidence in the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Austin Okijie.

Udobong,  who spoke in Uyo on Friday, alleged that the REC had an “unethical relationship” with the state governor, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, and the standard bearer of the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party,  in the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.


Udobong said,”We don’t have confidence in this REC because of his recent activities with Akpabio.
“We also hear that they have printed result sheets that are now being stored in the Government House and he can only use them with the cooperation of the REC.

“We  want the governor to know that every plan he has with Akpabio has been revealed and he should be prepared to conduct a free and fair election.”
 He, however, said the party had created situation rooms in the state, where every abnormality or case of misconduct should be reported and addressed to.
“The PDP is planning to harass voters and intimate observers from other parties and we are calling on security agencies assigned to election duties to do their job to prevent electoral violence,” he said.
Meanwhile security personnel, including members of the  Department of State Service, were seen patrolling the Brooks Street, Obi-Imoh and Oron areas in the state.
Residents have expressed fears that the menacing presence of the security operatives could create tension and scare voters.
But the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gabriel Achong, has assured residents that voters would not be molested in the state.
He said, “They are patrolling the streets to ensure that residents are safe. If we don’t put the police on the streets, they will be complaining that we have left them without security.
“The police are supposed to be everywhere. We are working with the Navy, that will be checking the waterways and securing riverside areas. I’m assuring Akwa Ibomites  that nobody will be molested.”

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