Re-Run Election: Political Parties, Candidates Sign Peace Accord In A’Ibom

Political parties and candidates in Akwa Ibom State contesting tomorrow’s  rerun elections for Ikono/Ini House of Representatives and Ibiono Ibom State Assembly seats have signed a peace accord.
The peace pact was signed at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) State Headquarters, Uyo by Glory Edet of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Effiong Ekpenyong of Accord Party(AP) for the House of Reps seat.
Others were Mr Ezekiel Ekerete of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alphonsus Okon (Esq) of Labour Party and Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
For the IbËono Ibom State Assembly seat, Moses Easien of the YPP and Godwin Ekpo of the PDP, major contenders were among those who signed the peace pact.
Addressing the Stakeholders, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Akwa Ibom State, Isah Ehimeakhe, said “The Commission expect all political parties and candidates involved in this election to affirm, respect and be committed to peaceful elections.
“I am optimistic that the outcome of this Peace Accord will produce positive result for the election. Without peace the safety of personnel, security of materials and above all, credibility of the election will be undermined.
“On our part, the Commission is committed to the conduct of this election and has put everything in place for a successful outcome. Both sensitive and non-sensitive materials are in correct proportion.
“Personnel for the election have been well trained to carry out their respective functions. The use of BVAS is a must in this election. I assure all candidates that all result sheets will be endorsed by me.
“In addition, the vote of all eligible voters in the affected Polling Units in Ikono, Ini and lbiono lbom LGAs will count. Since this is the third time the Commission will be conducting election in lkono/Ini Federal Constituency and the second time in lbiono lbom State Constituency, I firmly solicit that candidates and political parties involved in the re-run election do everything within their powers to ensure that we have peaceful election. Note that Nigerians are watching us, the world is watching us and we must never disappoint them”
On their part, the Security agencies in the state assured that they were ready to ensure that the rerun was conducted under peace and harmony by providing the enabling environment for voters to go and cast their votes according to the rule of the game throughout the exercise.