ISAAC JOB, UYO
A frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of People Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to sanction aspirants who had already breached election timetable before it was published.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, James Iniama said the electoral umpire should not wait for petitions from aggrieved politicians before laying its sledge hammer on those who had flouted the commissions itinerary for 2023.
Iniama, an Estate Surveyor and Valuer who had contested for Akwa Ibom governorship seat in 2007 expressed appreciation to President Mohammadu Buhari for signing the electoral laws but doubted if the revised laws will be observed by politicians during during the electioneering campaigns in view of past experiences.
He observed that some aspirants had gone ahead of the electioneering timetable to anoint consensus candidates for parties, not minding what the law stipulates, pointing out that the problem of the country has never been that of making laws but enforcing the law for those concerned to act accordingly.
He however, emphasized the need for voter education, which according to him, would enlighten every voter on the manner to play the role of a watch dog and ensure that the right thing is done during the elections irrespective of persons involved .
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“The law is no respecter of persons, so we will not create a situation where the electoral bill treats one class of persons differently and treats the other one lesser than the other.
“For instance, the electoral bill has been passed and INEC followed up with a Timetable of activities; if you read the timetable, you will realize that people had bridged that timetable substantially. Without INEC waiting for petitions to come: they should bring such people to book”. He maintained.
He commended President Mohammadu Buhari, the National Assembly, INEC and everyone who had made inputs in the making of the Electoral Act adding that the achievement has given the nation hope that there would be an Electoral Act that serves the interest of the electorates and electoral process in the country.
“We will keep evolving and as long as we are not static and not act as if we have arrived; there is hope.”
“The problem of Nigeria is not that we do not have laws; we have laws but the enforcement of the law has always been the challenge. What we should emphasize on now, is voters education. Let us all be watch dogs and ensure that the bill is followed to the letter”. He stressed.
He vowed to diligently follow the Electoral Act and the timetable as published by INEC in his aspiration, stating that his ambition is not personal but meant for the critical masses including people who share and partner in his vision to take the state to the next level.
“Now that the electoral bill has been given assent to, my aspiration is on top gear. We will continue with consultations and we are very hopeful that we are doing the will of God.” he said .
