By Chioma Onuegbu, The Best Of Chioma Onuegbu
Ahead of the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly polls in the state, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Akwa Ibom State and stakeholders have inspected sensitive material at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Uyo branch.
Resident Electoral Commissíoner, (REC) in the State of Dr. Cyril Omorogbe, led the State Chairmen of various parties, other officials of the Commission, CBN officials and newsmen to review the materials there.
Speaking during the inspection exercise, Omorogbe, explained that it is important for leaders of political parties and the media to see for themselves and properly inform the public that the materials are secured, and wisely.
He said: “We are here to check the sensitive materials sent to the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), to ensure that most of them are here. The importance of this exercise has to do with transparency.
“We make sure that the public knows that one, the materials are guaranteed, and not destroyed. They are complete.
“At that time if there is anything that is not here, we can request it quickly to get it before Saturday. We will also invite the stakeholders to see that there is no panky-panky panky in what we are doing.
Absent some party leaders from the exercise, the REC explained, all 18 political parties participating in the upcoming elections were invited to come and observe the exercise.
“I am here to show the world that the materials are safe. If they decide not to show up, that is none of INEC’s business”, Omorogbe said.
Sunday Vanguard observed the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Zenith Labor Party (ZLP), People’s Action Party (APP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); All Progressive Congress (APC) State Chairmen and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Secretaries were present during the exercise.
Questions from journalists at the end of the 4-hour exercise, the party chairman in a separate comment, commended INEC for showing transparency.
YPP State Chairman, Rasul Nyeneime Andy said, “I want to say sincerely that INEC leaders have proven that they are ready for this election. By bringing us here to observe this inspection exercise it shows full transparency.
“This also shows that the election will not be compromised. I want to commend the Chairman of INEC and the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commission for this”