The Rivers State Chapter of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, feels vindicated over the confirmation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Commissioner in Rivers State, Mr Aniedi Ikowak of cases of multiple registration during the last voters registration exercise in the state.
ACN is greatly elated that our complain that was viewed as unfounded and hollow allegation born out of frustration has at last been corroborated and established by the head of the electoral umpire in the State, which goes further to justify the uncontradictable position of our great party, not only on this issue but many others that we hope will gradually be unfolded.
The party press statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, welcomed the revelation by the INEC Resident Commissioner in the State, Mr Ikowak during a courtesy call on the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon Chimbiko Akarolo in which he disclosed from the available ‘authentic’ records with the Commission that greater number of registered voters engaged in multiple registration at the various stages of the 2010 voters registration exercise.
This revelation does not only expose the weakness and compromised actions of INEC but portends great danger and a sad commentary on political development in Nigerian democracy, which must not be swept under the carpet.
This, no doubt also substantiates the fact that all was not well with the conduct of the last elections, the result of which came from faulty foundation and exercise.
It is our knowledge that the Electoral Acts stipulate categories of penalties for Electoral offenders including multiple voter registration in whatever capacity, either as electoral officer or an electorate.
It is therefore, in the light of the relevant provisions of the Electoral Acts on Multiple voter registration and other Electoral offences that we call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Rivers State Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant officials of the Commission for conspiracy, to demonstrate government sincerity and commitment to the conduct of free and fair elections in Nigeria.
The call became necessary following earlier denial of the INEC Commissioner that the commission under his watch never recorded any multiple or double voter registration.
We call on the INEC Commissioner to make public names and particulars of those who engaged in double or multiple voter registration as the records are in his custody.
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Jerry Needam, JP
Publicity Secretary
Action Congress of Nigeria
Rivers State.
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Thursday, April 25, 2013
