The leadership of Inter Party Advisory Council, (IPAC) in Cross River State has lauded the newly elected 18 council chairmen on their victory in the November 2 local government polls across the state.
Congratulating the chairmen, IPAC however urged them to initiate an inclusive government where everyone will be carried along irrespective of party affiliation.
IPAC chairman, Engr. Effiom Okon, spoke after the inauguration of 18 council chairmen at the government house yesterday in Càlabar the state capital.
IPAC chairman, in accompany of the organization state secretary, Mr. Fredrick Eje, hailed the ruling APC for sweeping councilor positions across 196 wards in Cross River State, adding however that there was no victory nor vanquish in the elections.
He also lauded residents of the state for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere during the council polls and the State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIElC) for not shifting the election beyond the generally agreed date.
However the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state rejected results of the election, alleging it was marred by fraud, irregularities and mass rigging.
Chairman of the opposition PDP, Mr. Venatious Ikem, in a statement said there was deliberate hoarding, and diversion of election materials to houses of APC stalwarts for the purpose of massive rigging.
Similarly, senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Agom, said the polls did not reflect the true position and choices of the people.
Agom, after APC was declared winner of all the seats, said “What we have witnessed is nothing short of an affront to the spirit of democracy.”
The lawmaker called for a change of law which empowers states independent Electoral Commissions to conduct local government elections in the country stressing that the case of Cross River is not an isolated one.
In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP, the lawmaker said, “I make this Statement not just as a Senator but as a voice for true Democracy.
“I am disturbed and disappointed by the events that transpired on November 2, 2024, in what was purported to be Local Government Elections across Cross River State.
“The process, hijacked by the APC-led government, was manipulated to ensure a predetermined outcome in favor of APC candidates.
“This unfortunate episode is a symptom of a broader disease plaguing our democratic institutions nationwide, revealing a troubling pattern that must be confronted if we are to protect the integrity of our democracy.” He said.
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