Ayade receives new REC

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, yesterday, said there would be a peaceful atmosphere for the 2023 elections.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, Ayade gave the assurance while receiving the new state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) , Dr. Alalibo Sinikiem Johnson, at the Conference Room of the Governor’s Office in Calabar.

The governor tasked Johnson with free, fair and credible elections in the state, adding that given his track records and integrity, he had no doubt he would deliver.

“On behalf of the good people of Cross River State, l hereby give you that commitment that we will guarantee you free and safe elections; we also call on INEC to please honour its pledge too so that we can have free, fair, credible, reliable and dependable elections,” he said.

Earlier, Johnson stressed the need for a conducive atmosphere, saying it is fundamental for free and fair elections to thrive.

“There is no way we can conduct a free and fair election without security. We call on you to use your good office to ensure we have peace in the state. Peace in the sense that people can move freely to vote for candidates of their choice, and also, we at the back end of INEC can do our job without intimidation,” Johnson said.