By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Akwa Ibom have kicked against the agitations by the All Progressives Congress and a coalition of other parties for the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) of INEC, Barry Mike Igini out of the state.
The groups who made their position known yesterday at a press conference in Uyo decried attempts by the opposition political party in the state to censure the integrity of Igini.
State chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party and Publicity Secretary of IPAC Aniebiet Emmanuel who spoke on behalf of the groups queried the protest staged yesterday by the opposition in the state
They lamented that the opposition groups in the state has never raised concerns about the REC’s integrity but only resorted to blackmail when attempts to make him compromise in the performance of his duty failed.
“We are however worried that the opposition just like other parties should be glad that there is an umpire in Igini’s mould who is committed to ensuring credible, free and fair elections by seeking ways of multiplying such reputation in the commission rather than work to have him conform especially in this era when Nigerians have grown an all-time-high electoral consciousness.” Te parties stated.
“The bickering by the APC led coalition was just an attempt to blackmail the electoral umpire for refusing their advances to rig the polls in their favour, a move that was designed to corroborate the outburst from Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
“Our position is that INEC should refuse sacrificing her independence to assume appendage roles to men who rather than work for the common good of the nation are bent on destroying what is left of our national fabrics for their personal gains.” They said.
The chairmen of the political parties and their governorship candidates said they have resolved to defend the nation’s democracy and principles of free choice by ensuring nothing untoward is imported into the conduct of the forthcoming election.
“We will abide by the rules of engagement and would stoutly oppose and frustrate every plot aimed at derailing the peaceful conduct of the 2019 polls.” They said.
