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Tag: PDP

  • Only God can punish PDP for looting Nigeria- Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said that only God will punish the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for looting the country dry.

    The PDP was in power for 16 years in the country before the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into office in 2015.

    Meeting with local and international support groups at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President said that those proven to be corrupt will be prosecuted.

    He said that their properties would be confiscated and sold while the money realised would be put into the treasury for public use.

    Addressing leaders of 1,000 support groups on Friday, the President said: “Large scale abuse of trust, only God can give them punishment but those we can touch, we will get them prosecuted.

    Read Also: Nigerians back Buhari on suspension of CJN

    “We have said properties confiscated should be sold and the money put into treasury and we will use.”

    He said when he assumed office, he approached Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who told him there was no money in federal treasury.

    He also noted there was no infrastructure or any developmental achievements to justify draining of the substantial earnings from crude oil.

    “I have said this for the umpteenth time and I have challenged them to prove me wrong but in those 16 years of PDP rule, Nigeria was getting 2.1 million times 100 (2.1 million barrels by $100 per barrel) every day, every week but when we came on board, the price fell to between $37-38 and hung around $40-$50.

    “I went to the Central Bank of Nigeria, and asked him for money and he said there was no money.”

    The last time roads rehabilitation, he said, was under General Sani Abacha, when he served as Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, stressing that the roads where rehabilitated up to the east.

    Speaking on his integrity, Buhari said: “If I didn’t stick to my principle of accountability I would have been in trouble by now and I have no regrets.

    “Everybody wants to be comfortable but the most important thing is to live within your means and bear the consequence.”

    On why he visited the neighboring countries shortly after he was sworn in, he said: “If you don’t establish good relations with your neighbours you will spend more on security.”

    The leader of the delegation, Dr. Mahmud Mohammed, said the groups supported him because of his integrity and commitment.

    He said for the first time in the history of campaigns, they were campaigning with meager funds generated from well -wishers because the president specifically directed that no money from the public funds should be spent on his campaign.

    He said: “From tomorrow we will not sleep. We still start house- to- house, shop- to- shop and market- to- market campaign to ensure your victory.”

  • Constituent seeks disqualification of Reps Minority Leader Ogor over alleged forgery

    The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has been approached for a perpetual injunction to disqualify the member of the House of Representatives, representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon Leo Ogor, contesting the general elections.

    In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/10/2019 and filed by one Peter Enaruke against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ogor as the first, second and third defendants respectively, the court was asked to disqualify Ogor, who is the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, for alleged falsification and forgery of documents.

    The court papers also sought to restrain both the PDP and the INEC from fielding Ogor as a candidate and entering his name to be on the ballot when the election for the House of Representatives comes up on the 16 of this month.

    The plaintiff claimed that the dates of working experience filled in the 2018 INEC form C.F. 001 and the educational qualification with dates in the 2014 INEC form C.F. 001 and certificates submitted by Ogor, the 3rd defendant for the 2019 general elections were false information and forged certificates.

    “A declaration that by the virtue of the mandatory, constitutional and statutory provision of section 6(6), 36, 106(c) and 107(I)(h) of the 1999 constitution (As Amended), the 3rd defendant, who swore on oath vide his 2014 INEC form C.F. 001-affidavit in support of personal particular of persons seeking election to the House of Representatives, Isoko North/South Federal Constituency of Delta state, that he allegedly obtained his primary school leaving certificate from 1969-1974 (as against his later affidavit in his 2018 INEC form C.F. 001 wherein he stated that he obtained his primary school leaving certificates, at least as respect his educational qualification with dates in the said 2014 INEC form C.F. 001.

    “A declaration that by the virtue of the mandatory, constitutional and statutory provision of section 6(6), 36, 106(c) and 107(I)(h) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), the 3rd defendant, stood automatically disqualified ab initio from contesting the forthcoming 2015 general elections into the House of Representatives, Isoko North/South Federal Constituency of Delta state, held February, 2015 or any other date thereabout on the platform of the 1st defendant or any other political party, the 3rd defendant has perjured and presented false information and forged certificates, at least as respect his working experience with dates in the said 2018 INEC form C.F. 001 and his educational qualification with dates in the said 2014 INEC form C.F. 001”, the papers stated.

    Read Also: Leo Ogor back in the House

    The plaintiff, therefore sought, among other things, an order setting aside or nullifying the nomination of Hon Ogor as the candidate of the PDP.

    “A perpetual injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants either by themselves, agents, privies, surrogates or any other person(s) whosoever from parading, presenting, recognising, projecting, forwarding, accepting, or dealing with the 3rd defendant in any manner however as the candidate of the 1st defendant in contesting the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    “A perpetual injunction restraining the 3rd defendant either by themselves, agents, privies, surrogates or any other person(s) whosoever from parading, presenting, recognising, projecting, forwarding, accepting or suffering his name to be forwarded to the 2nd defendant or dealing with the 1st and 2nd defendants in any manner however as the candidate of the 1st defendant to represent the 1st defendant in the forthcoming 2019 general elections”, the application demanded.

  • PDP protests posting of police chief Egbetokun to Kwara

    •Abdulrazaq: PDP planning to unleash violence

    Members and supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State yesterday protested in Ilorin, the state capital, the recent redeployment of Kayode Egbetokun as the police commissioner.

    They took the peaceful protest from the party’s secretariat at Flower Garden to the Government House, the Department of State Services (DSS) office and terminated it at the police headquarters on Ahmadu Bello Way.

    The protesters said they were angry at the posting Egbetokun to the state ahead of the general elections.

    The protesters, led by PDP’s State Youth Leader, Prince Haliru Dantsoho, carried placards with various inscriptions.

    They urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu and President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse the decision.

    Some of the placards read: “CP Kayode must go”; “Kwarans totally reject an APC commissioner” and “Kwara cannot be annexed to Lagos.”

    Dantoso, who said the residents had never protested against deployment of any police commissioner, added that Egbetokun allegedly posed a threat to peace in the state.

    He said: “Egbetokun was one-time Chief Security Officer (CSO) to APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Also, he was spontaneously rejected by people of Lagos when he was posted there recently and the deployment was reversed by acting IGP Mohammed Adamu.

    “Unfortunately, the same man, who parades himself as an APC member, has now been posted to Kwara State. It’s a ploy to further intimidate the opposition.

    “You recall how members of opposition were arrested and harassed during the by-election into Ekiti Oke Ero Isin Irepodun Federal Constituency recently. So, with the deployment of Egbetokun, free, fair and credible elections cannot be guaranteed.

    “It’s on this note we frown at the deployment, calling on the IGP to immediately redeploy him to another state of their wish but not Kwara State. Kwara has been a peaceful state of harmony since. We don’t want anything that will affect the peace and harmony we’ve been enjoying.”

    The Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state of planning to unleash violence on the opposition.

    He urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to focus attention on the state.

    In a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Abdulrazaq hailed the ICC for its latest warning against violence in the forthcoming polls.

    He said: “We welcome the latest appeal and warnings by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the upcoming Nigerian elections.”

    Abdulrazaq said there is need to pay attention to political development in the state.

    “We believe elections should not be a do-or-die affair but should be about selling one’s ideas to the electorate in an atmosphere devoid of violence or threat of same or intimidation.

    “We have reasons to call on the ICC to especially turn its radar on Kwara State where the discredited political dynasty has consistently used violence to suppress the opposition. The recent rise in political violence, including attacks on my person and supporters and unabated destruction of our billboards, is instructive.

    “We, therefore, invite the ICC to monitor the processes leading to the elections in Kwara State. My supporters and I hereby formally pledge peaceful campaign and conduct before, during and after the elections.

    “We urge the people of Kwara to shun violence in all forms and discourage our youths from violence or anything that could disturb public peace.”

     

  • PDP planning to malign Abdulrazak, says forum

    A political group, Ilorin Emirate for Buhari (IEB), has alerted to alleged plots by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to malign the reputation of Kwara State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, by spreading rumours about him.

    In a statement yesterday by its Director of Publicity, Rotimi Sulyman, the group said it intercepted a plot to accuse Abdulrazak of parading a doctored West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate.

    The smear campaign, according to IEB, is allegedly being orchestrated by the leadership of PDP in the state.

    The statement reads: “We have uncovered a sinister plot by the PDP and Saraki dynasty, who are afraid of their imminent defeat at the polls, to spread wicked lies about the academic qualification of the governorship candidate of the APC, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak.

    “The tissue of lies about our candidate is at the execution stage. Already, they have photo-shopped a WAEC certificate and about to go public with the document, claiming it is what Abdulrazak submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) as his only academic qualification.

    “The plot aimed at discrediting Abdulrazak, a man who has distinguished himself in the business world, is a new low the PDP have hit under the cloak of playing politics. The PDP in Kwara, under the leadership of Senate President Bukola Saraki, is pressing the panic button just because of the world class reception Abdulrazak’s candidacy has been receiving across the state.

    “It is imperative for the plotters to know that their evil machination will not get traction with the voters who determined to end Saraki’s hegemony and long misrule, which foisted poverty on the people.”

     

  • Court to PDP: present flags to INEC-approved Ogun candidates

    The Federal High Court in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, yesterday refused the application of a member of the House of Representatives, Oladipupo Adebutu, and others seeking to prevent the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Buruji Kashamu, and others, from being joined as “necessary and interested parties” in a suit pending before the court.

    Adebutu and others had filed the suit asking the court for an order of mandamus to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish their names in place of the ones already published by the commission.

    When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to Kashamu and others, Prince Raphael Ajibola Oluyede, informed the court that his clients, the candidates whose names had been published by INEC, were interested in the matter but were not joined.

    Read also: SDP endorses Buhari as Ezekwesili’s group adopts Atiku

    The lawyer said they had filed an application as interveners willing to be joined.

    But counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), objected to the joining of the applicant/interveners.

    After much argument, the court, presided over by Justice Abubakar Shittu, held that the applicant/interveners were necessary parties that should have been joined.

    The court thus joined them.

    Then, Oluyede informed the court that they had filed an affidavit that the plaintiffs and their collaborators were parading themselves as candidates of the party while they were still before the court praying to be declared as candidates.

    The court directed the parties and their counsel to refrain from being used to foist a fait accompli on the court or cause a breakdown of law and order.

    The court adjourned till February 14 for hearing of the substantive suit and all pending applications before it.

  • PDP allegations threat to success of polls – Oshiomhole

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said the series of unsubstantiated allegations and misleading comments by the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the ruling APC constitute a major threat to the success of the 2019.

    Speaking when a delegation of the ECOWAS Election Monitoring Team, led by former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf visited him, Oshiomhole said it was unfortunate that the PDP were not prepared to abide by the rules, but are instead engaged in actions capable rubbing the name of the nation and that of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the mud.

    Oshiomhole said the APC is working towards ensuring a free and fair election by ensuring that its members comport themselves as true democrats, avoiding hate speeches and sensitization of the electorate to work against rigging.

    He said “As the National Chairman of the APC, we are committed to a peaceful election, but unfortunately, the opposition’s language and utterances does not suggest that they want a free and fair election. I believe, because they knew they have lost the elections, seeing the kind of support our candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari has been enjoying so far, as we have seen in our campaigns, the opposition are now in the habit of waking up and making unsubstantiated allegations just to deceive members of the International community.

    “Unfortunately, you see some foreign missions believing their lies and issuing statements in support of the PDP. And, that is why some of us are worried that some persons are hiding under the guise of Election Observers to come and discredit our electoral process and also interfere in our elections and our judicial process.

    “We observed that on the issue of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. This is a judicial officer who agreed that he erred when he did not declare some of his assets. And we have a situation whereby huge amount of foreign currencies were found in different accounts. And the PDP became the mouth piece of the CJN and they created a wrong impression before the International Community, and we saw joint statements condemning the action of the President, who was acting on the recommendation made by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

    “Are you saying that if a crime is conducted on election day, and because it was an election day, the person concerned should not face the law? The President of America today is being investigated over allegation of alleged Russian interference in America election. So, I think all these unsubstantiated allegations are not good for the forthcoming general elections and that is why we believe that the PDP, knowing fully well that they will be rejected by the people at the polls, are trying to create crisis where there is none.”

    Leader of the group, Mrs. Helen Johnson Sirleaf, said the entire world is interested in ensuring a peaceful election in Nigeria, “because Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and anything that happens to Nigerian will not only affect the entire Africa, but the world. So, we are appealing to all the parties to preach peace and urge their supporters to pick their PVCs, so that nobody will be disenfranchised.”

    Also, in a separate statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the party said the act of intimidating and blackmailing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other state institutions will not stop their impending defeat.

    The APC frown at what it described failed the attempt to demonise the APC, President Muhammadu Buhari administration and deploying intimidation and blackmail tactics against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other state institutions ahead of the general election.

    Onilu said the PDP’s line of attack cannot affect President Buhari’s emphatic victory in the February 16 election, saying “We have watched how panicky leaders of the PDP have become, having realised that they are heading for a crushing and humiliating defeat in the forthcoming general election.

    “In their confused and pitiable state, they have unconscionably hurled pedestrian allegations of partisanship and partiality against INEC and other state institutions.

    “The PDP leaders’ strategy is to regularly call out INEC and allege partiality towards the APC, thereby creating doubts in the minds of Nigerians and international community about the independence and credibility of the electoral body.

    “This is one of the odious antics of a desperate party that wants to hijack presidential power, not on the strength of having a credible alternative, but on the strength of selfish propaganda with which they mask their real motivation for seeking a return to power — plundering of the public treasury.

    Read Also: Why Atiku should sue Obasanjo, by Oshiomhole

    “We call on Nigerians to judge between the APC and the PDP, who can be said to have been favoured by INEC when one considers how the electoral body had initially barred the APC from fielding candidates in Zamfara and Rivers States in the forthcoming elections.

    “Less than two weeks to elections, our party is still in courts to seek justice from INEC to enable us field candidates. Notwithstanding our protests, calling INEC’s attention to the fact that the PDP didn’t conduct any primaries in Kano State, the electoral body has opted to look the other way even in the face of glaring evidence.

    “It is clear that the PDP is only interested in getting to power on a stolen mandate. It was not surprising that the PDP celebrated INEC’s initial decisions on Zamafara and Rivers because the PDP knows they stand no chance against the APC candidates in a free and fair election.”

    The APC also expressed shock over PDP’s allegation that the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) is being hampered by INEC to disenfranchise supposed PDP supporters, saying “how could anyone have known the political party affiliations of those who are yet to collect their PVCs such that the process of disenfranchising them was activated by INEC to favour the APC.

    “The PDP and its leaders cannot hold the APC responsible for their electoral misfortunes. PDP administration’s antecedents of treasury looting, mismanagement of the economy and widespread insecurity have put a big wedge between them and the Nigerian people.

    “There is no doubt that the PDP will be roundly rejected at the forthcoming general election. On our part, we are confident that Nigerians will renew our mandate on the basis of our verifiable and multi-sector record of performance under the leadership of President Buhari.”

  • Ezekwesili’s group declares support for Atiku

    The Red Card Movement (RCM), a civil society group founded by Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili has endorsed the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar for the February 16 presidential election.

    The endorsement was a departure from the group’s initial position under Ezekwesili whereby the RCM issued a Red Card to the PDP and the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ezekwesili resigned from the group to contest the presidential election on the platform of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) but withdrew from the race a few days ago.

    At a public declaration in Abuja Thursday, co-chairman of the RCM, Dr Tony Akabuno, said the decision to endorse Atiku was informed by the failure of the APC to fulfill its campaign promises to Nigerians.

    Akabuno said the group would mobilise 20 million votes for Atiku to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari as the APC were defeated in the upcoming elections.

    The group described the PDP presidential candidate as the “best option” for now, saying however that the RCM will not merge with the PDP.

    Read Also: ACPN to Ezekwesili: Return our money or face court action

    Akabuno said: “Some co-conveners were of the opinion that we should not get into any arrangement with PDP. These ones suggested a ‘siddon look approach’.

    “They appealed to me, as one that is very close to the state champions, to persuade our leaders across the federation to desist from supporting the Atiku/Obi ticket.

    “But as a pragmatic political strategist and the peoples’ general, I had no choice than to reject the inferior argument of some co-coveners and strongly aligned with our state champions, who are in sync with the grassroots”.

    Akubono said the coming election will be a defining moment in the political history of the country, adding Buhari has failed in all his cardinal programmes of improving the economy, provision of adequate security and fighting corruption.

    He accused the President of playing politics with the fight against corruption, saying the nation cannot afford to perform experiment with the Presidency.

    “This is not about Buhari but about the future of the country. The question is if we want the status quo to remain or if we want a change.

    “We the leaders of RCM are not in doubt that the Atiku/Obi ticket is the most efficacious brand that can send Buhari back to Daura.”

  • APC plans to attack Nigerians, PDP alleges

    The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) has alleged plots by the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) and its agents to load arms and ammunitions into vehicles painted in PDP colours and the names of some of its prominent chieftains.

    According the main opposition party, the plan is to use the illegal arms and ammunitions to attack gatherings and orchestrate violence across the country ahead of the general elections.

    In a statement Thursday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said some of those marked for frame up in the planned attacks include its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye among others.

    Citing “intelligence report” at its disposal, the opposition party said the governing APC will then clamp down on the targeted PDP chieftains and get them incarcerated.

    Condemning what it described as the heinous plot, the PDP said the plot was an act of desperation by the APC, as a result of despondency, arising from their rejection by Nigerians.

    Read Also; APC seeks postponement of Rivers gov election

    The statement reads: “We want all Nigerians to note that the PDP is a party of goodwill and our rallies have demonstrated that we are a people of peace.

    “Our objectives and goals, as laid down by our founding fathers, demonstrate unity, national cohesion and economic prosperity for our nation.

    “This is the path we have continued to toe in our campaigns, in spite of provocations by the APC and the Buhari Presidency.

    “The PDP is therefore, alerting Nigerians to take serious note of this plot by the APC, which is tailored to smear the image of our party and candidates, as well as divert public attention from their acts and threats of violence ahead of the 2019 general election”.

  • APC seeks postponement of Rivers gov election

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Rivers state has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to conduct the election in the state saying doing so will be handing the state to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate on a platter of gold.

    Reacting to a statement credited to INEC that the APC is not yet on the ballot, the party’s Director of Strategic Communications for the Tonye Cole Campaign, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill said in a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja that conducting the election without the APC will be an exercise in futility.

    He said “Of course we are not yet on the ballot, it’s a process. INEC by now has received the first order and in another day or so, will receive the second one. Then their lawyers will advise them and at a meeting of the powers that be, a decision will be taken. That decision will be to obey the law. We expect nothing less. If they don’t, then it will be lawful to be lawless in a lawless society. There will be no elections in Rivers state.

    “We knew Wike had penetrated the judiciary, every day the signs are revealed. We know he has also penetrated some of our security agencies, but we do not want to believe he has penetrated our electoral body at the highest levels. We are soon about to find out. Let us be patient. These things take time. Our money, that he is using, will be traced to its last hiding place when he leaves office. We know a lot about who he is working with. Money leaves a trace. And in this government, corruption will always come with consequences.”

    Read Also: APC administration fair to all governors – Badaru

    While describing the PDP as an “accident waiting to happen” he advised all those with good conscience still sitting inside it, to jump for safety before the inevitable crash or hold themselves to blame.

    He said “Wike is a learner driver. He has no business driving the vehicle of Rivers state and everyone knows it. Even he knows it. He can use money to win awards, ascribe bogus titles to himself, get biased media coverage, even delay justice, but he can’t use our money to bribe God. Judgement is coming for him and it is coming soon.”

    Tonye said further that while being on the ballot was necessary, allowing the APC candidates time to go about their campaigns, as had been denied them; was only fair because their campaigns were gaining momentum before legal gymnastics stepped in.

    He said the “PDP should be very ashamed that after four good years, their candidate could not go from ward to ward to tell them what he has done. Instead he has stumbled from LGA to LGA headquarters with more people in his entourage than indigenes to receive him, only to drop sound bites and share two-two thousand Naira to willing takers.

    $His mate (even though we are yet to ascertain Nyesom Wike’s actual age), his mate and our candidate Tonye Cole, has gone from ward to ward in every LGA and had done 236 wards out of 319 before a judge, Magnus and Wike stopped him using the law. Magnus is not our focus. He is our lost brother whom we wish well. His room is there, if he returns. Our focus is Wike and nothing will distract us from demystifying his perceived grassroots’ appeal, his supposed strong man status and his recent Mungo Park like discovery of Spirituality.

    “Tonye Cole and others must be allowed to finish their campaigns. Anything short of that cannot be just and we will contest it. INEC should get ready for the Presidential elections, but State House of Assembly, National Assembly and the Governorship elections must be a separate exercise set aside for a special date.

    “All eyes are now on INEC as the fate of Rivers state now hangs in their balance. Will Wike be given a free ride back into Government house or will the never say die attitude of Tonye Cole emerge from the ashes of court judgements? Very soon, all will be revealed.“

  • APC, PDP at war over shut out of Ekere from peace accord

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state are trading blames over the shut out of Obong Nsima Ekere from the signing of peace accord on Wednesday.

    The APC accused the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of conniving to prevent Ekere from accessing venue of the ceremony.

     Its state chairman, Mr. Ini Okopido, alleged its governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere was prevented from accessing and participating in the peace accord event by INEC officials and security details to Governor Udom Emmanuel.

    Okopido, in a statement, said: “On arrival at the entrance of the venue, Obong Ekere was stopped from entering the hall by the protocol and security officials and thugs of the Governor Udom Emmanuel, who had arrived earlier.

    “Obong Ekere’s entreaties to be let in to participate in the ceremony, including his explanations that he first had to attend a previously scheduled prayer summit for peaceful elections at the Methodist Church, Itiam Etoi, Uyo, were turned down by the government officials. Our candidate had to turn back.”

    He added: “I was present inside the hall and I saw clearly that the whole ceremony was turned into a state government event. The Master of Ceremony was Mr. Raphael Edem, the governor’s special assistant on Public Affairs, and yet this was supposed to be an INEC event for all Governorship Candidates.

    “The entrance was manned by the government’s protocol and security officials.

    “It must be emphasized that Mr. Udom Emmanuel attended the event as a governorship candidate of the PDP and not as Governor.

    “We, therefore, do not understand why government officials and thugs were allowed, if not encouraged, by INEC to harass another candidate.

    “This incident is most unfortunate and demonstrates once again our position that INEC in Akwa Ibom State should show impartiality to all candidates and maintain neutrality in its conduct”.

    But the PDP publicity secretary, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, accused Ekere of breaking official protocol by sauntering in hours after the governor was already seated.

    “Today, at the signing of the Peace Accord organized by INEC,

    Ekere exhibited his consistent, habitual and unrepentant show of rascality by coming hours after the event had started and sought to stroll across the main aisle of the venue.

    “Of course by all protocol standards, he was advised to enter from the front door but use the middle aisle to his seat which was at the other end of the hall.

    “He resisted and insisted on swaggering pass the front. Protocol officers of INEC offered to take him to his seat but he left boasting that Igini must be removed.

    “Long before his arrival, his state chairman Ini Okopido had arrived and was seated on his designated seat. The INEC REC asked about the whereabouts of his candidate, to which he replied that he (Nsima) was coming, that he had other engagements.

    “All responsible Akwa Ibom Stakeholders including Obong Victor Attah attended the event in good time and participated effectively but APC and their candidate Nsima Ekere can never conform to normal etiquette.”