August 13, (THEWILL) – As the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Akwa Ibom State, Barr Mike Igini, bows out from active service at the weekend, he took time to brief the media Community to clarify issues concerning his activities while serving in the State since 2019 general elections, as well as his stands on the 2023 elections.
SNIPPETS OF A TWO HOUR INTERACTION WITH THE MEDIA:
“My retirement from service is constitutional and I will handover to the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Akwa Ibom State.
“Let me thank the Media for their support and for giving meaning to the ballot through objective Reportage.
The Media remains the best instrument of informing and enlightening the people on needed clarifications.
“INEC in Akwa Ibom State under my watch is very clear on the conduct of election as directed by INEC at the national and we are poised to deal with historical challenges as it concerns electoral matters.
“In 2019 some illegal polling units were identified in the homes of politicians in the State and I directed that such polling units be relocated to open places, where people can vote comfortably.
“For now, Akwa Ibom State has 4,354 polling units that will be used in the 2023 elections.
“35 cases were instituted against INEC, Akwa Ibom State in 2019 and we won all, 99% victory.
“INEC in the State will continue to serve the people even at the risk of their lives because they are doing the right thing.
“Democracy will have no meaning if the rule of law is not totally embraced.
“All elements who acted contrary to the rule of Electoral law in 2019 were duly punished including INEC Staff.
“INEC has built electoral fire world in Akwa Ibom State so that electoral template can be maintained.
“Fresh voters registration has ended at INEC, but other validation can be done Online and PVCs will be ready for collection soonest.
“Akwa Ibom State have really embraced the Voter Registration exercise and by 2023 Elections, voters turnout will be impressive.
“Party Primaries are over and the final list will be published by September, 2022.
“There are 18 Political Parties in Akwa Ibom State and APC is the only one with challenges because of internal crises.
“The authentic Chairman for APC, who won at the party Congress was Mr Austin Ekanem and INEC in the State stands by that.
Every procedure that brought Mr Stephen Ntukekpo, as substantive Chairman of the party was fake, as the original result that produced Ekanem was mutilated.
Mr Austin Ekanem has the certificate of Return, while Ntukekpo has the Court judgement slip.
“INEC as an umpire is occupying a position of trust for the people.
“Sheergrace Arena was the authentic venue for APC gubernatorial primary and that status quo ante bulum simply meant that Mr Austin Ekanem should continue in office.”
“Mr Akan Udofia’s emergence as APC Guber Candidate is illegal, because it was not monitored by INEC and it was untimely, just as the one that produced Godswill Akpabio as Candidate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
“DIG Udom Ekpoudom remains the authentic APC Senatorial Candidate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
“Resident Electoral Commissioners do not have power to change reports submitted by INEC supervisors
“It’s really shameful that democracy is no longer based on the rule of law, those Aspirants who did not go through primaries now want to have their names on the ballot papers.
“The insinuations making the rounds that Akwa Ibom State Government will engage me as Consultant is a fake and baseless rumour.
“Mike Igini has never surrendered and will not compromise when it comes to value and integrity.
“Politicians in Akwa Ibom State are used to rigging, but Mike Igini says no, that is why the Dinosaurs are angry.
“INEC in Akwa Ibom State is seen as an arsenal for positive trajectory in the country and INEC at the national is proud of us.
“Some politicians believe that they can buy all the people all the time because of permanent interest, but Mike Igini has vowed that I can’t be bought with money.
“The problem of Nigeria is leadership and Igini has sworn to make the electoral process work in all ramifications.
“People who refused to compromise should be treated honourably and not negatively, Igini will continue to speak and stand for what is right.
“INEC in Akwa Ibom State has 7 departments that report directly to the REC, any INEC officer sent to monitor electoral process in this state must first of all report to my office for endorsement.
“This misleading report that INEC in Akwa Ibom State doesn’t respect Court order is false.”
RESPONSE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF NUJ AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCIL, COMRADE AMOS ETUK
“This is the very first time in Akwa Ibom State where INEC will get a personality like you, indeed you have created a template that has given Akwa Ibom State credible leadership since you came into office, beginning from the 2019 election and today we have a leadership in the State that has pursued the Completion Agenda successfully.
“Today the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, has given Nigerians hope that the recruitment process for leadership can be right and insight to the number of accredited voters who have registered is commendable.
This shows that Nigerians are ready to get it right and will be going for competence because it’s time to salvage the Nation.
“In NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, we are going to be part of this history and we thank you for giving us the opportunity for the registration process to the Union, thank you for always being there at every beck and call to the Media community in Akwa Ibom State.
“In the Civil Society Constituency where you come from, I must say that you have made them vey proud and I want to say that when you leave Akwa Ibom State, you will be leaving with your head held high, even as you will be going forward to a stronger and better opportunity.
“The story of credible election in Nigeria can never be written without your name being mentioned.
I want to use this medium to call on INEC at the national level to give opportunities for RECS in your mould to become national Commissioners because this will give the body a stronger status because credible and principled men will not be influenced, intimidated or coerced to change the foundation that has been laid. Our democracy must be protected.
“The Media is ready to protect this democracy and I’m happy that INEC is also giving us the confidence that this democracy will be protected.
“On the 28 of September, 2022, when the Presidential campaigns will officially start, the Media in Akwa Ibom State will be at every stop of the campaigns to ensure that Akwa Ibom people get the right information to choose only Leaders that can lead Nigeria back to the glory days.”
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