A renowned Socio Political Association in Akwa Ibom state Liberated People for Transparency and good Representation has demanded immediate sanctions from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the Young Progressive Party governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom state Senator Bassey Albert Akpan over uncomplimentary and alleged inciting remarks against Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP Guber candidate Pastor Umo Eno during his ongoing campaigns.
The group in a press statement endorsed by Comrade Enefiok Umoh
President, Mr Edet Afia Keke, Secretary and made a available to Journalists yesterday in Uyo condemn in strong terms the consistent attacks on Gov. Udom Emmanuel and the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pst. Umo Eno, while urging the Senator to play by the rules of the game, by embark on issue -based campaigns rather than insinuations and blackmail.
According to them,
"it must be stated clearly that Senator Akpan is making such provocative comments at campaign grounds because he is aware of the peaceful disposition of Gov. Udom Emmanuel.
"The governor will never stoop so low to tow his path, even as he ignored the war chants and inciting statements capable of fanning the embers of war by certain individuals during the build up to the 2019 general election.
The group highlighted that Senator Akpan is trying to use the governor's peaceful disposition to the extreme. " We therefore do not want to tow his path by taking laws into our hands, hence our call on INEC and in line with the electoral act to sanction Bassey Albert".
"This will serve as a deterrent to others who may want to tow his path.
"We also call on Political candidates to respect the Electoral Act 2022 and ensure that the peace enjoyed in our dear state, courtesy of the Udom Emmanuel administration is sustained.
"According to Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2022 under Prohibition of certain conduct at political campaigns, a political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.
Again, abusive, intemperate, slanderous or base language or insinuations or innuendoes
designed or likely to provoke violent reaction or emotions shall not be employed or used in political campaigns.
Where this is done, the act states that a political party, aspirant or candidate that contravenes any of the provisions of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction."
"We will use all legal means to go after any candidate that will use derogatory terms against another candidate or make comments capable of inciting the people against the state or its functionaries at campaign grounds".
The group noted that Governor Udom Emmanuel has sacrificed so much to ensure that peace is sustained in the state for harmonious living, progress and development, and will not fold thier hands and watch one man incite the people to go back to "Egypt" through unguided utterances during campaigns.
Our Correspondent gathered that Senator Bassey Albert Akpan during his campaign tour to ward 1,2,6,7 and East Itam 1,2,3 in Itu Local Government Area of the state said he was offered sumptuous amount of money by Gov. Udom Emmanuel as bribe to step down for the PDP candidate Pst. Umo Eno, and return to the Senate, hence his exit from the party.
The group regretted that the Senator
failed to state when and where the offer was made, names of witnesses to such deal, a signed cheque, or recording of the meeting,or any other proof to support his claims, making it baseless and mere insinuation.
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