By Akanimo Kufre
As part of the build up activities to the local government elections in Akwa Ibom State, political parties have been called upon to field candidates with credible leadership qualities for election into the local government system.
The State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel made the call in a joint meeting with Special Adviser, Bureau of Political And Legislative Affairs, Barrister Ekong Sampson, Chairman Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISEC), Dr Gloria Ukpong and members of the Commission held at Government House, Uyo.
Mr. Emmanuel maintained that aspirants should have intellectual capacity and willingness to serve in such positions and assured that election into the third tier of government would be held in line with standard best practices and provisions of the constitution as soon as modalities for the exercise have been perfected.
His words : “the whole idea is not just having election for election sake. We need to look at other considerations like talking to the political parties to make sure that people they nominate for the elections have the capacity to handle such offices.”
“we need candidates who are prepared for leadership and are willing to serve the people earnestly not those who just want to stand election. That’s not the kind of election we are preparing for. I want us to conduct election and do it properly in line with the structures and processes we have put in place,” Governor Emmanuel stated.
The Governor expressed optimism that the steps taken by the State election umpire would dispel speculations sourrounding the conduct of the elections.
Briefing Government House Correspondents shortly after the meeting, the Chairman AKISEC Mrs Gloria Ukpong, said that the meeting became necessary inorder to furnish the Governor with preparations undertaken by the Commission to enable it carry out the exercise.
She added that the public would be duly notified on when the elections would take place.
The AKISEC boss noted that conducting election any where in the world, is capital intensive and a painstaking exercise involving human and material resources.
She explained that the the Commission will sensitise Stakeholders and Political Parties to enable them come up with appropriate framework for the elections
