Theresa Donatus, Uyo
A popular gubernatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom state the 2023 election, Mr James Iniama, has called on Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to bring all defaulters of the recently published elections timetable to book, without waiting for petitions.
In an exclusive interaction with our Correspondent in Uyo on Wednesday, The Estate Surveyor and Valuer reacted on the recent assent given to the Electoral Amendment Act by President, Muhammadu Buhari, expressing doubts if the laws as stated would be monitored in the electioneering process, considering antecedents.
The Governorship hopeful who is aspiring under the People's Democratic Party (PDP), noted that some aspirants had gone ahead of the electioneering timetable to anoints consensus candidates for parties, not minding what the law stipulates, pointing out that the problem of the country has never been that of making laws but enforcing the law for those concerned to act accordingly.
He however emphasized the need for voter education, which according to him, would enlighten every voter on the to play the role of a watch dog to ensure that the right thing is being done during the elections, irrespective of persons involved.
"The law is no respected of persons, so we will not creat a situation where the electoral bill treats one class of persons differently and treats the other one lesser than the other.
"For instance, the electoral bill has been passed and INEC followed up with a Timetable of activities; if you read the timetable, you will realize that people had bridged that timetable substantially. Without INEC waiting for petitions to come: they should bring such people to book". He maintained.
Commending the President of the Federal Republic, the National Assembly, INEC and those who had an input in the making of the Electoral Act, Iniama said the achievement has given the nation hope that there would be an Electoral Act that serves the interest of the electorates and electrical process in the country.
"We will keep evolving and as long as we are not static and not act as if we have arrived; there is hope.
"The problem of Nigeria is not that we do not have laws; we have laws but the enforcement of the law has always been the challenge. What we should emphasize on now, is voters education. Let us all be watch dogs and ensure that the bill is followed to the letter". He stressed.
He mentioned that he is diligently following the Electoral Act and the timetable as published by INEC in his aspiration, stating that his project is not personal but meant for the critical masses even as he has people who share and partner in his vision to take the state to the next level.
"Now that the electoral bill has been given assent to, my aspiration is on top gear. We will continue with consultations and we are very hopeful that we are doing the will of God." He noted.
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