Eneh John
Stakeholders in Eket local government area, yesterday, spoke on the conduct of the LG elections in the state.
Dr.Nsidibe Akata, a Geologist, and front line contender for the 2019 Eket state house of Assembly seat, spoke with Journalists at his polling unit in Ndue eduo, okon Eket, stated that, his people turned out enmasse, to vote, but the materials arrived late in the evening about past 5pm, when some persons had left, with the belief that the election will not hold in the unit, but the town crier has been mandated to go round and call people back and inform them that voting has commenced.
He also stated that, some political leaders from the ward, who were in PDP, fed fat in the party and left, had plans to make trouble, but were contend. Dr. Akata acknowledged that, there is a strong opposition in the polling unit, being led by former PDP members. He said, although they threatened violence and tried to heat up the polity, the law enforcement agents were available to do their job. He maintained that the PDP is a peace loving people, and his unit has always been for PDP, since 1999. He expressed satisfaction on the conduct of the elections, even though it had some challenges in arrival of materials.
On his part, the Chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Eket, Mr.Frank Archibong, said, from his unit, the election was peaceful and he was impressed with the turn out. The PDP Chairmanship candidate also stated that, he was sure of victory. Because Eket Local Government is a PDP area.
A Former Minister for Housing, and two time House of Reps men, Chief Nduese Essien, said, the PDP were prepared for the elections, as was seen in the campaigns, that they were just waiting to vote, unlike the opposition who weren’t prepared, as seen in their different antics to stop the elections through court processes. He further stated that, Akwa Ibom is predominantly a PDP state, that is why the little opposition in the state is unable to organize itself to contend with the strength of the governing party in the state. Chief Nduese was quoted as saying, ” Because I’m from here, and the Chairman is also from here, there will be no vote for the opposition. The former minister also said, the outcome of the local government elections will reflect what is expected in the governorship elections in 2019.
On his part, a political leader in Okon Eket, and a PDP stalwart, Professor Etie Ben said, he gave the process a pass mark. He also expressed dissatisfaction on the logistics put in place by Akwa Ibom State Electoral Commission (AKISIEC). Prof Ben also said, he expected more security presence, and that the area has always been a PDP area, even when the then state Chairman of ACN was from the community.
Reacting, a former Chairman of Eket local government area, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr.Aniekan Akpan, commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor for deeming it fit to conduct the local government elections. He further said, that he hoped that in their lifetime, local government will get their funds directly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will take over the conduct of elections, so that the idea where seats are won by the party of the Governor in power, will not be there anymore. On his level of satisfaction, he said, he was happy to be with his people.
