Akpabio hails A’Ibom gov over LG elections

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on the outcome of the local government elections held in the state.

Akpabio made the commendation during a plenary session on Thursday.

The local government elections, conducted on Sunday, sparked controversy, particularly in Essien Udim Local Government Area, where Akpabio hails from. Akwa Ibom, a state governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, saw the PDP winning 30 out of the 31 LGAs. However, Usoro Effiong, the All Progressives Congress candidate, won the election in Akpabio’s home LGA.

Despite claims by some, including political leader Michael Afangideh, that the PDP candidate had won in Essien Udim, Akpabio insisted that the APC candidate was the rightful winner, having secured the majority of votes.
In his remarks during plenary, Akpabio acknowledged that the elections were not without flaws but expressed gratitude to the governor for ensuring fairness.

“But let me point out that the elections were not perfect. My colleagues are appreciating the state government for remaining steadfast, recognising that it would be impossible for the Senate President to lose votes in his own local government,” Akpabio said.

He commended Governor Eno for allowing the APC candidate’s victory to stand, highlighting that this showed a commitment to improving the election process.
“With people like Governor Eno, there is hope. There is hope for us to have a national dialogue to change the situation”, he added.

Akpabio emphasised the need to reposition the local government system, stressing that local government elections should be free from party dominance.

“Now, the world needs to know that the issue of local government elections transcends party lines. We must do something to reposition local government as the third tier of government,” he stated.

He also praised the Supreme Court for its ruling that local government funds should go directly to the councils, calling on the National Assembly to take steps to ensure the decision is fully implemented.

Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom (2007-2015), Akpabio shared his experience in conducting credible local government elections, even when faced with opposition.

“When I was governor, I conducted local government elections twice. In one instance, despite opposition, I ensured the rightful winners were declared,” he said.

Akpabio’s comments were supported by other senators, including Senator Abba Moro, who initiated the discussion on local government elections during the session.