National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM
Atleast twelve registered political parties are set to uproot the People’s Democratic Party in the October 5 local government election in Akwa Ibom state.
The Chairman of the Commission, Aniedi Ikoiwak, who disclosed this in a media parley recently said election notice was issued in June and it recorded full compliance by the Political Parties.
The PDP is deeply rooted in Akwa Ibom state, controlling all 31 local governments of the state, even Essien Udim, home, home of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The AKISIEC chairman said there was a meeting with the security apparatus to beef up security in all the 3300 Units, 369 Wards and 31 Local Government Areas of the State and that a total of 14,000 Security Personnels will be required for the election.
Again, he disclosed that Political Parties were asked to display the particulars of their respective Candidates for public scrutiny and
where a candidate of a political party is challenged in Court and defeated, such political party will lose the position of such candidate.
Meanwhile, campaigns will end on 12 midnight of October 3rd, 2024., while Materials for the election will arrive on 4th October, 2024
All Candidates that are aspiring for office, who are currently in public offices must resign before 30th September, 2024.
On funding, he said the election will be solely funded by the government of Akwa Ibom State and a total of 12,500/13,000 Adhoc staff will be deployed for the conduct of the election after training.
He disclosed that 12 Political Parties are cleared to partake in the election, which will take place on October 5th, 2024.
”I want to assure that we are prepared to deliver 2024 Local Government election in the State”.
Responding the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk appreciated the AKISEIC for giving the Media insight into the preparations of the Commission as it concerns the upcoming local government election slated for October 5th, 2024.
He assured the AKISEIC Boss of the readiness of NUJ to partner the Commission to succeed even as he requested for the incorporation of various Media Houses to cover the election and a level playing ground for voters to exercise their franchise without fear or molestations.
“Barely a month into the election you have briefed us on the state of preparedness and from what you have said, we will set the agenda for this conversation.
There’s so much growing interest in local government administration, especially with the accent to the Autonomy Law by the President which requires a properly constituted Councils.
We know the significance of the third tier of government which has to do with grassroot development and Nigeria democracy.
I want to assure you that the Media in Akwa Ibom State has always been setting agenda and we will continue to work as partners.
By this I want to solicit that the Media also be accredited to cover the election, such that every Media Houses will help assess to most of the units and Wards where the election will be conducted.
I want to believe that as you have assured the people, there will be a level playing ground for all Political Parties to participate because Akwa Ibom State belongs to all of us and people must be allowed to make their choice of who they want to represent them in various Wards and Local Government Areas”.
