Elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum(PANDEF) Edwin Clark says the bitterness and violence that have defined the path to the Edo Governorship Election is not only worrisome but frightening given that persons who are not part of the election are now being castigated needlessly.
Clark while reacting to a statement by the Chairman Of the All Progressives Congress(APC) media campaign council in Edo state John Mayaki and Col. David Imuse alleging INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom state Barrister Mike Igini of receiving a bribe from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and conniving with Governor Godwin Obaseki to swing the polls in its favor said the attack is a disincentive for people of integrity to serve in government.
The former federal commissioner in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday explained that the language of political campaigns should embody the principles of restraint, decency and concentrate on issues contained in the political party’s manifesto and not on reckless and irresponsible assassination of people’s character especially those not involved in the contest.
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He said ‘While we urge people who work in very sensitive public institutions like INEC to continue to maintain absolute neutrality and be above board all the time, politicians should not throw baseless allegations at them because it will undermine public confidence and de-legitimize the electoral process. That is why I commend the re-assuring candour with which the INEC Chairman spoke to the press on this matter which confirmed what the general public already suspected to be the real intention of these wild allegations aimed at ensuring that Barr. Mike Igini who is known for his good work by Nigerians when it comes to the conduct of elections is not posted to Edo State. But must this be achieved at the expense of his good name and reputation?’
Clark described Barr. Mike Igini as a symbol of hope for credible elections in Nigeria which was why Nigerians were not surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari re-appointed him and the only person so-re-appointed amongst the old Resident Electoral Commissioners from the whole of South-South and South-East.
He said ‘Igini has the distinguished honor to be appointed by two Presidents from two different political parties because of his competence, honesty and demonstrable strength of character and sense of duty. It is against this well-earned reputation and public trust that those of us who have monitored and observed his exemplary conduct and performance in office, are proud of him and take serious exception to the clearly baseless allegations aimed at defaming his enviable character by political actors in Edo State.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
