Akwa Ibom APC chairmen rubbishes call for Igini’s removal, says INEC chief fit

For Justice, true democratic electoral process and for votes to count ahead of 2023 elections in Akwa Ibom State, President Muhammadu Buhari and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, have been called upon to allow the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, to remain in Akwa Ibom. 

Concerned members of All Progressives Congress (APC), which comprises APC chapter chairmen, Youths and members across the state made the call during a solidarity march to INEC office and across the state at the weekend.

The group identified themselves as authentic members of APC in the state. They displayed banners with various inscriptions with banners describing Igini as a man of truth, working in fairness  according to the new electoral act with all political parties in the state. 

The group stressed that Igini is a man justice who is against Forgery called on the President to nominate him as National Chairman of INEC as well as add years for him to stay.

Some of the placards read: “Mike Igini: A man with impeccable character is what Akwa Ibom State needs’, ‘Only hoodlums, imbeciles, forgery masters, criminals and irresponsible human beings are agitating for his dismissal’, “Barrister Mike Igini must stay for rule of law,’  “One dubious man cannot decide for  Akwa Ibom, God bless Barrister Mike Igini for respecting Electoral Act.’

Recall that some youths last week under the aegis of Akwa Ibom State Youths in opposition parties demonstrated calling for Igini’s removal.

But speaking on behalf of Concerned APC chapter chairmen, Youths and members, Mr. Udeme John Akpan, who identified himself as APC chapter Chairman in Oruk Anam and a stakeholder in the party, insisted that Igini is upholding tenets of democracy.

He said: “We are here in a solidarity visit to ensure that truth must prevail. Igini is a man of integrity that is against forgery. He does not support changing or manipulation of election figures. Igini and his INEC team witnessed the APC Congress in the state and he insisted that the true election results produced at the congress must stand. That is why he/INEC recognised Mr. Austin Ekanem as the authentic state chairman. We overheard days ago that some groups of criminals, who are not real APC members, demonstrated calling for Igini’s removal, they are criminals, good in forgery and bribery. They were paid to do that, they are not authentic APC members.”

Another member of the group, who identified himself as Mr. Ekebio Thomas from Onna, said the state had never witnessed a free and fair electoral officer such as Igini.

“Igini is upholding the tenet of democracy both internally and externally. He is man that cannot be bought by money.”

In response INEC admin secretary assured the protesters that the commission would continue to stand on the path of truth without compromise.