By Okon Bassey in Uyo
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Akwa Ibom State has given their verdict on the just concluded Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly elections held in the state describing the processes as peaceful in the state.
IPAC condemned the concerted efforts by the opposition to attack and assail the integrity and character of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Mr. Mike Igini.
At a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, the body said despite being peaceful, there were outright intimidations and harassments in some parts of the state by those who claimed to be agents of the security agencies.
It said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had a commanding, almost cult-like followership in the state stressing that the results announced were the true reflections of that deep sense of fidelity to the party by the people.
“While one political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) out of over 60 political parties operating in Akwa Ibom State relied more on the aid of security agencies which they had termed “Federal Might”, the PDP was entrenched within the grassroots and when the time came, they rose in unison and voted for the party, and went ahead to defend their mandate.
“It is our sincere belief that any other political party within IPAC will one day take over the seat of power in Akwa Ibom State.
“That one indisputable lesson in the just concluded elections in Akwa Ibom State is the majesty of God in the affairs of man and of course, the unflappable will of the people to determine who rules them.”
Describing Mr. Igini as a noble and upstanding Nigerian patriot, IPAC said he deserved praise and gratitude for standing up to what is right and ideal.
“He refused to be compromised and stood his grounds on doing only what was right and noble; he refused to kowtow to the fusillade of blackmail aimed at attacking his sterling character and integrity especially from the APC.
“Mike Igini deserves the praise and commendations of Nigerians. INEC should be proud of the likes of Mike Igini.
“Democracy is about the supreme will of the people, it is not an exercise that is conducted under duress or through the nozzle of the gun or the sharp edges of the bayonet.
“Akwa Ibom people rose in unison across the three senatorial districts and told the world loud and clear that in the God of Udom Emmanuel, they trust. The results of the elections are the true reflection of the wishes of the people.
“We feel proud that in our lifetime, credible and people-centric elections could and were held and the voices of the people and their votes mattered,” the body stated.
