There was a pandemonium at the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) office following the announcement of the Local Government Election Timetable by the Commission’s chairman as fight brokered between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The incident happened on 25th September, when CROSIEC Chairman, Dr Ekong Edet Boco announced the timetable and guidelines for the election.
While others, especially the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), were commending CROSIEC, PDP Chairman in the State, Barr. Venatius Ikem, said his party will participate in the 26th October election but in protest.
Ikem listed time as being a yardstick for his political party, noting that there is not enough time to campaign for the election.
“For us in the PDP, we’re going to participate in this election in protest. The conduct of the election should proceed. We’re protesting this election and will communicate our protest as soon as possible.
“If I heard you right, it seems we have five days to campaign. The time of notice for the election is about 30 days, which is short.
“The idea of amending the law hastily, putting a team together is an arbitration for any democracy. We will participate by protest,” Ikem said.
While other political parties were commenting on the election timetable and guidelines, SDP Chairman in the State, Dr Ambo Ekpenyong, pointed out that the PDP Chairman ought not have said anything of such as it was the IPAC that fought for the conduct of the local government election.
Ekpenyong’s statement triggered anger from Ikem, who interrupted the former severally until it busted into a verbal attack.
“Please sit down,” Ikem told Ekpenyong.
“Who are you? Shut up! Are you okay?” Ekpenyong told Ikem.
The fight continued outside – while Ikem was interviewing with the press, Ekpenyong interrupted by holding up the cameras pointing at the PDP Chairman.
Earlier, the CROSIEC Chairman while addressing Ikem’s cry, said, “I am particularly happy with my brother, Barr. Venatius Ikem. I am touched that your party is going to participate in this election, even in protest.
“We’re giving everyone a levelled playing ground. I cannot sit here to choose a Local Government Chairman, it is in the place of the people.”
Before reading the timetable, Dr Boco mentioned that the mandate is not new to CROSIEC, noting that, “Since the return to democratic system of government, in 1999, about four successful Local Government Elections have been conducted thus in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2020.”
He added, “Elections are not war, so we need a peaceful environment to achieve a credible and acceptable Election in Cross River State.”
On his party, IPAC Chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet of Action Peoples Party (APP), said, “IPAC would partner with the Commission to ensure we have a free, fair and credible election.”
CONVERSEER reports that the local government election has been shifted to 2nd November 2024.
