Victory under duress: Akwa Ibom INEC denies Nse Ntuen certificate of return

Posted by admin Akwa Ibom, Elections, Elections 2019, Headlines, State News Thursday, March 28th, 2019

Joe Effiong, Uyo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State has withheld the certificate of return of the member representing Essien Udim state constituency, Mr Nse Ntuen, on the grounds that his declaration as winner of March 3, 2019, state House of Assembly election was obtained under duress.

Ntuen who claimed the factional speakership of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly last December after he was sacked from the Assembly for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his kinsman Senator Godswill Akpabio, would have been the only APC member in the 26-member House of Assembly.

But the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Mike Igini, while presenting certificates of return to Gov. Udom Emmanuel, his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo and 25 members-elect of the state House of Assembly all elected on the platform of the PDP, said reports from collation officers sent to the area stated that election results were signed under duress.

Owing to the incident, Igini said the commission at the national level would handle the issue of that state constituency, adding that he had executed his job of carrying out elections in the state.

“As an umpire, we have been given the opportunity to serve the people and our fatherland in the just concluded general elections, and that we have done.”

Speaking on behalf of others who receive their certificates of return, Governor Emmanuel commended Igini, INEC staff and ad hoc staff, and the security agencies for their effort at ensuring credible and peaceful elections.

He also commended the people of the state for their love and for re-electing him for another term, and pledging his loyalty and that of the elected officials to the people, adding that they would not rest but work hard to ensure that the people were not disappointed for voting them.

The governor said he and the elected officials had only one project, which is Akwa Ibom State and the people had risen in togetherness to choose their leader, saying he rededicated the victory to God and the people of the state.

“I know a lot of people were scared of the kind of election that was going to hold in Akwa Ibom State. But the elections have come and gone and we didn’t lose any INEC staff or corps member.

“I think elections in Akwa Ibom State were one of the most peaceful though there were pockets of problems. If you allow me to score the credibility of the election, I will put it at 90 per cent.

“The elections under the INEC REC, Barr Mike Igini, were the best and one of the credible elections in Akwa Ibom State. The whole world knows who he is but the only regret is that most of those who know him have stood to demonise him. I think he is one of the best in the country.

“I want to pledge on behalf of all of us that this is a call to duty. This is not the time for self-aggrandisement or to go and sleep or rest but to God to be glorified,” he stated.

-Sunwp_posts