A Pan Niger Delta group name Patriotic Forum of Niger Delta (PAFOND), has threatened to take legal action against activities of the Akwa Ibom state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mike Igini, if a thirteen Man (13 man) committee set up by the group to investigate the matter finds the REC meddlesome.
The group threats followed an emergency exco meeting in Bayelsa State, on the governorship and senatorial candidates in a statement credited to the Akwa Ibom state REC.
Speaking to Journalists after the meeting , National Chairman Comrade Owo Udoh,said PAFOND) ,Observed such a statement from Mike Igini, with dismay, pointing out that such a statement coming from an INEC official was capable of igniting political tension in that state.
Comrade Udoh, maintained that as a group advocating for one political voice for the Niger Delta, they would not sit down and watch one of their son that want to destroyed the future of a particular senatorial district and the chances of other candidates in the name of ‘ personal Interest’
The group warned REC officials across the region not to be meddlesome in party politics or favour for or against any politician but to discharge their functions according to stipulated guidelines, adding that anything outside this shall be resisted and challenged before a competent court for action.
The group National Chairman, further kicks that a statement coming from such high profile INEC official potent danger and mistrust for INEC neutrality in subsequent election matters, but however, called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to look into the issue as a matter of urgency to forestall any unforeseen circumstances.
“I think from the statement Mike Igini made shows that he has made a compromise and to us in PAFOND, we would not allow that” Comrade Owo Udoh said.
Also Speaking, the Chief Of Staff/Spokesman of the group, Apostle John Amaowoh, also said that such matter was the exclusive right of the political party and not for the REC to have involved himself, adding that if Mike Igini, has any score to settle with Senator Godswill Akpabio, he should be bold to confront him as a man and not to play the spoiler game.
Apostle Amaowoh, said well PAFOND, is still considering whether to go to court or sort for a medium where both of their sons could be advised to sheath their sword for the overall development and peace of the region.
Meanwhile, the group has urged people of the region to get their voter’s card before the expiration of the INEC deadline that will enable them vote the right choice in the forthcoming general elections.
The group also called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to look into the incessant fuel scarcity and high cost of doing business in the country, adding that the high cost of fuel has impacted negatively and is now telling on Nigerians therefore triggering high cost of staple goods and commodities as well in the country.