A non-governmental organisation, Network Advancement Programme for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction, (NAPPDRR), has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against clearing aspirants with criminal cases in courts.
Addressing reporters at the weekend in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, the International President of the group, Emem Edoho, said the petition became necessary to rid government of criminal elements.
Edoho cited a pending corruption case against the Ibanga Etang, a House of Assembly aspirant for Ibeno/Esit Eket Constituency.
The Federal High Court in Uyo, presided over by Justice Fatun Riman, had granted the ICPC leave to investigate Etang’s tenure as chairman of Esit Eket, between 2012 and 2015.
According to Edoho, it will be against the constitution and Electoral Act, ”for such issues to be swept under the carpet”.
Part of the petition adressed to the Chairman of INEC, reads; ”We write on behalf of the board and members of NGO, that we have a mandate to fight corruption and to work for the preservation of the rights and future of the child”.
According to him, ”the electorate should see the forthcoming polls as the right avenues to correct the wrongs of the past and ensure that credible leaders get their votes”.
He assured that his group was ready to work with security and other relevant agencies to ensure a hitch – free exercise in 2019.