The member representing Obudu, Obanliku and Bekwara Federal Constituency, Mr. Peter Akpanke has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of the just concluded Obanliku by-election.
Akpanke gave the commendation during an interview with journalists in Sankwala, Obanliku local government area, Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The member of Parliament, who is also the political leader of Obanliku, said that INEC made efforts to conduct the exercise fairly and transparently.
He stated: “I must commend the people for being resilient and standing firm for truth, justice and fairness. I must also commend INEC for being truly independent. This election is an attestation to INEC’s ability to conduct elections and allow the will of the people to stand.
“We heard that results were ready made even before the election started. However, you can see from the reactions of the communities, the people here, you will also agree with me that since the people are very happy with the outcome, it means therefore that the Independent National Electoral Commission did the right thing. The election was fair and transparent,” Akpanke stated.
Security challenges
The lawmaker went further to pour encomium on security operatives deployed for the by-election in Obanliku, saying that despite efforts by some unscrupulous persons to cause violence, there process was relatively peaceful.
“I commend the security agencies for rising up to the challenges. We were aware of the plans that were underway to hijack materials, cause violence and announce false results. But, the security operatives did well to nip in the bud any form of violence that would have erupted,” he stated.
On the process itself, the representative said, “we insisted that this election must be peaceful, credible, free and fair; and we thank God. This is the will of God and the wishes of the people. Even if they cancel this election one hundred times, we will still win them.
“We (Peoples Democratic Party) are with our people. We came home and campaigned, while others went about intimidating the people. I appreciate everybody, party members and stakeholders. Obanliku must be united because we are one,” he said excitedly.
He urged security operatives to prosecute those who were arrested at Bayaga for attempting to disrupt the process earlier and cautioned against divisive actions that may truncate peaceful coexistence amongst the Obanliku people.
He said, “the result of this election should be a sign, a warning to those, who think they can control us. We will not tolerate such; Obanliku will be peaceful. If they have been doing that in other local government areas, we will not tolerate that in this local government area.”
He further stated, “it was a keen contest and we thank God that our candidate won.”
Effective representation
Similarly, the winner of the Obanliku by-election, Mr. Pius Ashakia expressed gratitude to God almighty and thanked the people for reaffirming the mandate that was given to him during the 2023 general election.
Ashakia said, “I thank God for providing this opportunity so that the people reaffirm the mandate given to me earlier. I also thank the people of Obanliku for the love shown to me and finding me worthy to be given their mandate.
“I feel great and promise the people of Obanliku that I will not fail them as I do not take this mandate for granted.
He promised to give them effective representation at their representative at the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Lateefah Ibrahim
