By Harris Emanuel
Uyo — Akwa Ibom based group, Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum (USDMPF) has denounced calls in some quarters for the sack of the National Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu ahead of the 2023 general elections, describing such moves as mischievous.
Besides, the group also condemned in strong terms the pressure on the electoral umpire to discard the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of results in the general elections.
Addressing newsmen at the weekend in Uyo, Chairman of the group, Elder Ofonimeh Isong, who was flanked by some members of the group, expressed dismay over the calls for Yabuku’s removal, noting that the National Chairman has done creditably well since he mounted the saddle.
The group welcomed the accord signed by the 18 political parties to ensure peaceful conducts throughout the electoral period and charged all parties and their teeming supporters to abide by the rules of the game.
It called for issue-based campaigns devoid of “ethnic jingoism, religious extremism, bigotry, hate speech, blackmail or public incitement of any kind”, just as it cautioned the electorate not to yield to temptation to engage in electoral malpractices.
” We commend the Professor Mahmood Yakubu led Independent National Electoral Commission for so far demonstrating neutrality in the conduct of her constitutionally prescribed duties and charge the commission, and her agents to maintain this path to ensure the integrity of the exercise and that the votes of the people count
“We continue to charge our people to reject any candidate or political party that yield to war mongering, violence and blackmail as a political tool rather than clearly defined blueprints to ensure national development, and betterment of the lives of the citizenry.” The USDMPF chairman said.
The group applauded governor Udom Emmanuel for providing the level playing field for political participation and “the deliberate pursuit of peace, security, and stability in Akwa Ibom State.”
“The peaceful disposition of governor Udom Emmanuel and the statewide advocacy for peace through the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) has no doubt created public awareness and mobilized the citizens and residents of the state to accept peace as the minimum prerequisite for growth and prosperity. We must consolidate this gain.” He said.
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