Build up to
Akwa Ibom State 2017 Local Government Elections, 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 willngness 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.
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