Igini Blows Hot: Says He Would've Declared His Father Loser If He Contested And Lost...As Udom, Elected State Lawmakers Receive Certificate Of Return

By Asuquo Eden

Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini has asserted that he would have  declared his father or mother of the election if they had contested and lost as the era where election results were "written" was over.
Igini who was making remarks today during the ceremony to present Certificate of Return to the reelected Governor and members elect of the House of Assembly, decried the numerous lies that was levelled against him towards the build up of the polls describing his re odds as very clear having served with diligence in States including Imo, Anambra and Cross River.
"When I arrived Akwa Ibom on the 5th of September 2017, I met with political Parties and revealed to them that under my watch as REC here, I will conduct a free and fair election that will be credible and that ballot papers would be delivered to all units across the State...some didn't take me seriously, today we know better. We had pledged that we will not be a tool of manipulation for anybody" he said.

While noting that the attitude of a few is not a true reflection of Akwa Ibom people, Mr. Igini decried incidences where vehicles of the Commissions ere burnt in Ibesikpo and Obot Akara and other areas where card readers were destroyed adding that the concluded elections marked a paradigm shift from the former way things were done.

While thinking God for a successful completion of elections and staff of the commission who he notes worked hard and tirelessly, the REC said that they never compromised in any form but only stood by their values which made some persons uncomfortable.

He however noted that those who are not satisfied with the outcome reserve the right to approach the Tribunal adding that the Commission is ever ready to all documents and assistance required.

In a related development, the State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel after receiving his Certificate of Return drove round the metropolis and made a stop over at the popular Ibom Plaza where he assured citizens that he will be governor for all irrespective of voting patterns, even as he attributed his success and that of the PDP in the state to God. “We will not discriminate against anybody. When you honour God, He’ll take you to greater heights,”

We are here to thank Akwa Ibom people. What we’re doing now is that we’re showing appreciation for your support. No amount of money will be enough than to say thank you. We are using all of you to reach out to all those that voted for us at all the villages and voting points in the state.”

The governor used the opportunity to thank the people for voting for him and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, pointing out that no amount of money will be enough than thanking the people for the love shown him and other PDP candidates at the polls. “We are here to thank Akwa Ibom people. What we’re doing now is that we’re showing appreciation for your support. No amount of money will be enough than to say thank you. We are using all of you to reach out to all those that voted for us at all the villages and voting points in the state.”