As tension continues to mount in Abia State over the inconclusive nature of the April 11 Governorship poll in the state, Gov. Theodore Orji has asked security agencies in the state to be alive to their responsibilities and ensure that ” peace is maintained without favour.”
Orji who stated this in a statewide broadcast expressed concern that the delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission to announce the result of the poll had generated unnecessary anxiety across the state capable of sparking off crisis if not properly managed.
He said, ” The dashed expectation of Abians of an early result , as has happened in other states, has heightened tension in the state and raised emotions.
” INEC must remain alive to its constitutional responsibility of conducting credible elections and must at all times be conscious of the fact that citizens attach so much importance to their rights to choose their leaders which right should not be denied in any form.”
Orji said that Abians voted in the April 11 poll expecting timely announcement of the result by INEC as was the case on March 28, but expressed surprise that, ” the events of the last few days point to the fact that the people may have to wait for an unduly long time to get the result of the poll.”
He warned against any attempt to subvert the will of the people as that may lead to unpleasant consequences.
Orji therefore , called on INEC to be conscious of its conduct and live above board, while advising candidates at the poll to turn off the garb of desperation in their quest for political office as power can only come from God through the people.
He also advised the youths not to make themselves available as tools in the hands of desperate politicians to create chaos and mayhem in the state.
Orji further enjoined the people of the state to remain patient and calm as the announcement of the final result is being awaited.
Recall that the Returning Officer of the poll, Professor Benjamin Ozumba, had declared the poll inconclusive .
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party , Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu scored 248,459 votes ahead of his All Progressive Grand Alliance counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti who polled 165,406 votes.
With a margin of 83,053, Ikpeazu won in eight out of the 17 Local Government Areas of the state while Otti won in nine councils. INEC is yet to fix a date for a supplementary poll. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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