Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has commended the peaceful conduct of the Local Government Councils’ elections in spite of voters’ apathy.
Emmanuel made the commendation while at his polling unit for accreditation and voting at Awa ward 1, Onna Local Government Area on Saturday.
He applauded the preparedness of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) for the exercise.
The turnout of voters was low.
The governor described the processes leading up to the elections as transparent.
“I think this is one of the peaceful elections we have ever conducted. I drove from Uyo down here trying to monitor the elections.
“I like the quietness and orderliness of the elections and I am also appreciating the preparedness of AKISIEC, the quality of materials; it is of a very high standard.
“They can keep it up, and even the transparency of the processes is commendable.
“They have done a good work but it is unfortunate that people will still be complaining even when we score the process 99 per cent. I would only encourage them to do more,’’ he said.
Emmanuel said that as the governor of the state he had confidence in the local government system.
“I have confidence in the elections. If I didn’t have confidence, why should I waste my time coming here?
“I have confidence much more than ever before. This is the most peaceful election,’’ he said.
The Presiding Officer of Awa ward 1, Onna LGA, Mr Destiny Ikpe, told NAN that accreditation and elections were done simultaneously and started by 8 a.m.
At Uyo Urban Ward 2 and Ward 4 no voter was seen around the polling units even though electoral officers were on ground and ready for the electoral duties by 9 a.m.
The situation was the same at Eket Central Ward 3, Afia Nsit, voting materials had yet to arrived as at 10 a.m.
