A’Ibom Govt Tasks INEC On Improvement In Electoral Processes

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be innovative in initiating policies and regulations that will continuously improve electoral processes in Nigeria.

 According to the governor, policies and regulations that showcase INEC as a neutral and unbiased umpire in electoral processes will ensure peace and ease in conducting elections.

 Governor Eno, who made the recommendation when the state’s new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, to commence his familiarisation tour of the state, acknowledged the Commission’s record of credible elections over time, describing the recent Supreme Court verdict on the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election in the state as a collective victory and affirmation of INEC’s integrity.

 Welcoming the INEC REC to Akwa Ibom State, the Governor congratulated Mr. Ehimeakhe on his appointment and sued for greater commitment of the commission to neutrality to maintain its credibility, while assuring the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the commission and security agencies at any point it may be required.

 “We want to pray and hope that INEC will continue to roll out policies and regulations that will keep improving our electoral processes.

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 “We also trust that you will continue to maintain a neutral stand in your conduct as always. For us as a people, we believe that if there is neutrality, there will be no need for violence. We should conduct elections to let the will of the people prevail. And those of us who are also elected by the people should be accountable to the people that have elected us into offices,” Governor Eno said.

 He affirmed that elections in Akwa Ibom State have generally been peaceful and stressed that pockets of skirmishes noticed in a few areas remain insignificant and not representative of the general ambience of the state.

 “Elections in Akwa Ibom State have always been generally peaceful except for a few places, which is not completely abnormal in our society today.

 We are aware of the two elections that are coming up, and the duty we have as a state government is to provide a level playing field for everyone. The election is conducted in Akwa Ibom and for Akwa Ibomites, and we are all one regardless of the party. I believe that ththe government must provide an enabling environment by working with security agencies and INEC to ensure that the people go out to vote their consciences, he stated.

 Earlier, Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe thanked the governor for the warm reception accorded him upon his arrival in the state, adding that his visit was to register his presence in the state and in recognition of the governor’s role as a key stakeholder in the electoral process as the Chief Security Officer of the state.

Mr. Ehimeakhe assured that his tenure will foster collaboration and understanding between key stakeholders to collectively contribute to a vibrant democracy and emphasised transparent and inclusive electoral processes that uphold the will of the people.