By Sylvia Akpan
Ahead of the supplementary election holding in the Ogoja/Yala Federal constituency and Akpabuyo State constituency on Saturday, 26th February 2022, Cross River Northern Elders Forum and Amb. Nkoyo Toyo has sued for peace.
The Cross River Northern Elders Forum through its Chairman, Senator Musa Unim Adede urged all their brothers and sisters to go about the election process in an atmosphere of peace and decorum, devoid of all acts of rancor and violence.
According to the forum, “Also, we implore the electoral umpire (INEC) to conduct the election according to the provisions of the Electoral Act, in a free and fair manner.
“We implore the security agencies to ensure their neutrality in line with the extant rules of engagement. People should be allowed to come out and exercise their franchise peacefully and freely. We, therefore, encourage all eligible voters to troop out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.
“As leaders of the North, we appeal for a very peaceful process. All the contestants are our brothers, and we believe anyone that wins will serve his constituents adequately. We use this opportunity to also implore our brothers and sisters in the Akpabuyo State constituency to conduct themselves peacefully as they come out to vote on the same day.”
On her part, the governorship aspirant under the PDP, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo also called on INEC to ensure that results from any polling unit marred by violence are not allowed to affect the general outcome of elections as voters prepare to vote for candidates of their choice during the by-election in Akpabuyo State constituency and Ogoja/Yala Federal constituency.
Amb. Toyo who is a former Nigerian ambassador to Africa as well as Ethiopia said this in a statement made available to our newsroom.
According to the statement, “This morning we received news of impending clashes between political rival interests in Akpabuyo. It will seem once again that a dark cloud is gathering over the by-elections taking place on Saturday 26 February 2022. Our national political history has taught us that violence is a needless aggravation that is often futile as it does not impact the outcome of any election but leads to unnecessary loss.
“We are hopeful following the INEC facilitated peace accord that all polling units will ensure that the casting of votes is without eventualities. No individuals or group should be allowed to benefit from the blood or hurt of others.”
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