By Osondu Ahirika
The Chairman of the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission, EARCOM, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Dorothy Thompson has condemned the violence recorded during the conduct of party primaries to nominate candidates for the forthcoming 2019 General elections.
Dr Thompson made her position known during a chat with newsmen in Uyo. Reacting to reports of the death of about three persons during the Governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State, she condemned in very strong terms the resort to killing anyone for politics, insisting that, no man’s political ambition is worth the blood of anyone.
The EARCOM boss described as barbaric and unacceptable the deployment of violent tactics to advance electoral ends, arguing that, Akwa Ibom State cannot afford a return to the inglorious past when kidnapping, abductions, thuggery and politically motivated assassinations was the order of the day.
Dr Thompson posited that, Governor Udom Emmanuel has through his policy of political inclusion created an atmosphere where everyone can pursue their legitimate political interests without fear of intimidation, persecution or witchunt, adding that, this culture of peace and freedom must not be compromised or subverted by any individual or group.
While commending Governor Emmanuel for uniting Akwa Ibom people despite ethnic or political diversities, she charged all citizens to conduct themselves responsibly and peaceably before, during and after the elections and see the ballot box, as well as their voter cards as the proper instruments to express their political preferences in electing credible leaders that can grow the economy, ensure peace, security and sustainable development.
Dr Thompson also enjoined youths to shun all forms of electoral malpractice, including, thuggery, selling their votes, involving in rigging or allowing themselves to be used as tools in the hands of desperate politicians who would want to take advantage of them for their selfish political goals.
She said EARCOM will continue the sensitization campaign against cultism and other social vices, of which all forms of electoral malpractices are not exempted.
On the recent surrender of arms by repentant cultists in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo, Dr Thompson said , this is a welcome development and scored Governor Udom Emmanuel high for managing the precarious security threats and restoration of normalcy in the area , and accordingly called on all citizens to support Governor Emmanuel’s bid for a second term in office so that he can consolidate on the gains of this administration and complete his laudable vision for the State.
she also commended the security agencies for doing very well in cooperating with the State Government to bring the situation under control.
