By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The outgoing Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini has given reasons why some politicians in the state saw him as their enemy.
Igini, a lawyer by profession, told journalists in his valedictory press briefing in Uyo on Thursday, that those who hated him did so because he has refused to throw his integrity into the dust to please them.
The outgoing REC, who retired from service on Friday, explained that although his five years’ stay as Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state had been very challenging with false accusations leveled against him by some politicians but he has been able to change the narrative of electoral frauds that used to be a practice in the state.
He maintained that for his stance on the rule of law that ensured credible, free, fair and acceptable electoral process in Akwa Ibom state has made the state a model in Nigeria.
His words, “Mike Igini has never surrendered and will not compromise when it comes to value and integrity.
“Politicians in Akwa Ibom State are used to rigging but Mike Igini says no, that is why the Dynossours are angry.
“INEC in Akwa Ibom State is seen as arsenal for positive trajectory in the country and INEC at the national is proud of us.
“35 cases were instituted against INEC in the State in 2019 and we won all representing 99% victory.
“Some politicians believe that they can buy all the people all the time because of permanent interest but Mike Igini has vowed that I can’t be bought with money,” he stated.
On the voter’s apathy that hereto characterised the general elections day in the state as electorate positions were never respected, Igini assured that 2023 elections would be a departure because of the confidence that INEC under his leadership has created in the minds of the electorate in the state.
According to him, the people of the state have really embraced the Voter Registration exercise and by 2023 elections, voters turnout will be impressive.
“INEC in Akwa Ibom State under my watch is very clear on the conduct of election as directed by INEC at the national and we are poised to deal with historical challenges as it concerns electoral matters.
“In 2019 some illegal polling units were identified in the homes of politicians in the State and I directed that such polling units be relocated to open places where people can vote conducively.
“For now Akwa Ibom State has 4354 polling units that will be used in the 2023 election”, he pointed out.
The outgoing REC who said that his retirement from service was constitutional, however dispelled insinuations making the rounds that the state government planned to engage him as a consultant to the state on political matter as fake and baseless rumour.
Reactivating, the Chairman of the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Amos Etuk described Mr. Mike Igini as a rare REC that the state never had.
Etuk also noted that Mr Igini leadership has created a template that has given Akwa Ibom State credible leadership in 2019.
“This is the very first time in Akwa Ibom State where INEC will get a personality like you, indeed you have created a template that has given Akwa Ibom State credible leadership since you came into office beginning from the 2019 election and today we have a leadership in the State that has pursued the Completion Agenda successfully.
“The story of credible election in Nigeria can never be written without your name being mentioned.
“I want to use this medium to call on INEC at the national level to give opportunities for RECS in your mould to become national Commissioners because this will give the body a stronger status because credible and principled men will not be influenced, intimidated or coerced to change the foundation that has been laid. Our democracy must be protected,” NUJ Chairman said.
