Protest Against Candidate Imposition In Akwa Ibom Local Government Elections

Protest Against Candidate Imposition In Akwa Ibom Local Government Elections

Ukanafun Professionals’ Association (UK-PRO), an advocacy group for Ukanafun Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, has warned against the imposition of candidates for the October 26 council poll.

In a statement by its spokesman Twoweeks Umoh, UK-PRO hailed the Supreme Court judgment prohibiting the undemocratic appointment of caretaker chairmen.

It reads: “We implore the people of Ukanafun to monitor the 2024 electoral processes billed to climax on October 26 and vote for only candidates with a track record of competence and credibility.

“The relevant security agencies in the state should also leave no stone unturned in ensuring the credibility of the 2024 local government poll in Ukanafun.

“The apex court verdict would not serve its intention if the local councils are not administered by credible persons, in terms of character and competence, democratically elected by the relevant electorate.

“The culture of one or few persons imposing leaders on the people has not been serving us any good over the years. Such culture must stop for our community to make progress.

“It is appalling that certain persons in the political class had taken action that offers ominous signs, just around the hour the Supreme Court milestone judgement was delivered.

“How can few individuals who represent less than one per cent of the electorate in Ukanafun embark on anointing of persons to be the next set of leaders in the local government council without going through any known democratic processes?

“That is spurious and affront to the sensibility of the people. It should be condemned and rejected by all progressive-minded people.”