Why Gov Udom Emmaneul Dissolved Akwa Ibom Electoral Board

Udom

The Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has indicated that the intractable squabble between the chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission and members of the board, was going to militate against the smooth conduct of the proposed November 2017 local government election in the state, hence their sack.

The governor gave the hint in his letter to the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, requesting them to approve a new board for the commission.

While briefing his colleagues on the governor’s letter, the house leader and member representing Oruk Anam state constituency in the house, Hon. Udo Kieran Akpan said that the governor was acting under the AKIIEC law were he was empowered to fire the commission, when the chairman is either incapacitated or for any other cause.

Hon Akpan said, “the letter from the State Governor is in fulfillment of parts of his obligations to the State and it is self explanatory in the sense that Section 4 sub 1 of the Akwa Ibom State independent electoral commission law 2007 as amended allows the Governor to hire and fire members of the commission through ratification by the State legislature.

“… Mr speaker, condition for the removal is a very simple one in the AKISIEC law and it is very straightforward. It is either the person is unable to Perform because of incapacitation or for any other cause”, the house leader stated, urging his colleagues to support the Governor in dissolving the former board. Stressing that there is need for Akwa Ibom State to have  AKISIEC that is united in carrying out their duties; an AKISIEC that will do things in unity and togetherness.



Other members who spoke in support of the governor’s action, were member representing Esit Eket, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, member representing Nsit Atai, Hon. Mark Esset, member representing Mkpat Enin, Hon Otobong Ndem and member representing  Ibesikpo Asutan, Hon. Aniekan Uko. They all commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for seeking to constitute a new AKISIEC committee in order to effectively carry out the functions of the committee, and carry out the task of conducting an acceptable local government election in November 2017.

Furthermore, in another letter addressed to the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke the Governor, Udom Emmanuel, sent the following names for confirmation as Chairman and members of Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission. They are : Aniedi Ikoiwak as Chairman while Patrick Ikon, Mathew Udo, Usoro Ukpanah, Sunday Aniefiok, Dr. Mrs E. E. Umoh, and Elder Eyaekop Effiong Umanah would served as Members of the commission.

The House referred the names to the committee on judiciary,justice, Human rights and public petitions to screen the nominees and  report back to the house in two days.

Culled from National NewsTrack