The Coalition of
observer groups accredited in Akwa Ibom State have urged Political Parties in
the state not to put undue pressure on the Independent National Electoral
Commission INEC. The group said that what the electoral umpire needs now is to be
focused to conduct a free, fair and credible election in the state from
Saturday the 23rd of February 2019.
A spokesperson for the
Coalition Comrade Nwokoma Messiah of the Nigerian Vote Count Campaigners said
the postponement of the election has added more cost on voters, political
parties and observers. “Some observers
came from far areas and you don’t expect them to go and come back to do their
job considering such distance and the state of roads. While condemning
intimidation of observers and lack of cooperation, the Coalition said observers
must be given the necessary support that will ensure they give the best
accurate assessment of the election process across the state.
On allegations made by
some political parties that INEC is favouring a political party, the statement
said any attempt by political parties to discredit the electoral umpire amounts
to rubbishing the process which must not be accepted in any way. “As much as we
do not intend to speak for INEC we believe as observer groups in the state that
the fact that INEC postponed the elections should not be misconstrued for romancing
with any political party in the state. The desperation by politicians to cling
to power should not be taken to the low level of discrediting the conduct of an
election that has not even begun.”
The Coalition also
queried the timing of the call for the resignation of the INEC Chairman and
other officers of the Commission stressing that the timing of such calls as
much as it is suspicious, also smacks mischief. “How can you a week to the
elections call for the resignation of the INEC Chairman who has conducted
elections where various parties have won based on their strengths? Is it not
the same INEC that conducted elections in Ekiti and Osun states this year? Did
the Resident Electoral Commissioner who is being disparaged not conduct
election in Edo state sometime ago? How did they suddenly become targets for
lampooning on the basis of postponement of elections which is not the first
time in our democratic experience?”
While urging the people
of Akwa Ibom state to come out en masse and vote the candidates of their
choice, the statement urged observers across the state to remain focused on
their duties. “All observers are enjoined to carry out their duties in a most
responsible manner. We are the conscience of the elections and it is important
we do our best in that regards” the statement concluded.
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