Fred Itua, Abuja
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship and Houses of Assembly polls, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, has revealed that politicians in the state are mounting pressure on him to do their bidding.
He, however, vowed not to cave in. Instead, he promised that every vote must count during the elections. According to him, he is an umpire who is not expected to take sides with any political actor, but to ensure that votes of the electorate count.
Igini made the remarks when he spoke with newsmen. The REC, while calling on security agents to provide adequate protection to election officials, promised to provide a level playing field for every actor.
He said: “Those looking for compromise in the process are the ones who are also calling for my removal. Why would you remove a man who says he wants to give everybody an equal opportunity, equal chance and there is no evidence so far of any compromise of any kind because I carry everybody along.
“Here in Akwa Ibom State, it is going to be the will of the people expressed through the ballot, honestly counted at the polling units and declared at the last point of collation; that is what will be announced at the last leg of the election.”
