…says its APC rigging strategy
By Emeka Samuel,Uyo
The PDP has condemned last week’s show of force and subsequent declaration of 10 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom as flash points by the Nigerian Army as a veiled rigging plan for the APC.
A release signed by state Publicity Secretary of the party Barr Ini Emomobong made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday the party said they have uncovered a plan by the APC to use the military to intimidate the electorate after their defeat in the national elections.
“The plan we have learnt was hatched after the failure of the army to effectively intervene at the Ikot Ekpene collation center to save the Warsaw general and failed Senator, Godswill Akpabio.
“This announcement is therefore a smokescreen to aid the Army high command to deploy military personnel to aid in the hijack of election materials in favour of the APC.
“As a party we are at a loss as to the foundation or basis for the declaration of those areas as flashpoints. It is common knowledge that no casualty was recorded in the last elections in Akwa Ibom state, unlike other states where scores of people were killed and maimed. We will like to remind the military that their primary duty is the protection of the territorial sovereignty of our country and not to take over civil policing, except in extreme circumstances (which elections do not fall within).” The statement said.
The party expressed reservations and reject the proposed militarization of elections in the state while refering them to the judgment in the case instituted by President Muhammadu Buhari, who then was candidate of the APC in 2015 on the role of the military in elections.
“We again call on the Chief of Defence staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Army Operations and the entire Army High command to direct the GOC 6 Division to immediately withdraw the over 30 soldiers attached to Obong Nsima Ekere, the 15 soldiers attached to Chief Godswill Akpabio and the 8 soldiers attached to Senator Ita Enang.
“As an indication of complicity between the Army and the APC currently in operation, it was the APC Governorship candidate who posted the news, even before the Army authorities pronounced it.
“The APC in Akwa Ibom has been boasting lately that, what the police under the ignoble watch of AIG Kimo could not do, the Army will do. Our obvious reply is found in the scriptural proclamation, “who is he that says a thing and it comes to pass, when the Lord has not commanded.
“We plead with the army to desist from partisan politics and to remain professional in line with their Rules of Engagement, as this is the only guarantee for a thriving democracy. Superior officers should not become subject to politicians in expectation for favourable postings and appointments.
“Finally, to the soldiers who are preparing to be deployed, we advice them to brace up to meet with the divine army of God which will be on duty on that day to guide His people and protect them from harm. Our party like always will trust in the name of the Lord our God, who is able to do all things, while the opposition will as usual, put their hopes on their horses, chariots and soldiers(Federal Might).” It said.
The statement called on voters in the state head out enmasse to their polling units and vote massively for the sustenance of the prevailing peace, the continuation of the prosperity and the comprehensive development that the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration has continued to represent.
