APC sues for peaceful, violence-free campaigns

As the campaigns for the 2019 general elections kick off, the governorship candidate for the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom...

As the campaigns for the 2019 general elections kick off, the governorship candidate for the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom state, Obong Nsima Ekere has called on the party faithfuls to eschew violence, thuggery and breakdown of law.

The APC governorship standard bearer stated this on Sunday during a solemn assembly to kick-start the party's governorship campaign held at his campaign ground at Four Lanes in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.

Ekere said the party decided to acknowledge God first in its dealings believing that whatever what is committed into God's hands would be successful.

He added that thuggery and violence can never be part of God's agenda therefore, APC supporters should not allow themselves to be induced or used to perpetuate violence as they tour the 31 local government areas in the state for campaigns.

His words, "APC family has come to seek the face of God as we commence the campaign for elections because we know that all powers belong to God.

"We want peaceful and violent free election. We want the safety of God as we move in entire 31 LGAs in the state. There shall be no loss in all spheres in APC".

"We are in a new dawn, as we go out for campaigns from the 1st to the last day of the campaign, make sure you maintain peace, respect the law and the rule of law and do not allow anybody to lead you to violence."

Ekere, however, condemned in strong terms the recent siege of the state Assembly Complex, saying that the act of invading the house with thugs by a sitting governor (Gov. Udom Emmanuel) was a rape to democracy and an abuse to separation of powers.

According to him, "It was the first time, we have seen a sitting governor lead thugs to invade the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly to cause mayhem. Akwa Ibom people are saying no to this, it was totally unnecessary and uncalled for, it was against everything that democracy represents and separation of powers should be respected by everyone irrespective of how you are highly placed."

He urged the people to vote APC at all levels enmasse, promising to run a truthful and transparent government if elected in the 2019 general polls as governor of the state.

The State Party chairman, Mr. Ini Okopido thanked those that came out for the solemn assembly, especially those aspirants who failed at the primaries for not decamping to other parties but joined hands to make the party stronger in the state.

He said one of the foremost aspirants, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe has been appointed by the party as the chairman of reconciliation committee, stressing that, none of those who could not make it at the primaries from the house of assembly, house of representatives has left the party.

"As we flag-off our campaigns in the next few days, God will surely see us through, the turn out of party members is a testimony of good thing to come to the state, as we go on, don't allow anyone to deceive you", he said.

Senators Godswill Akpabio, John James Udoedehe and Nelson Effiong spoke on behalf of the people of Ikot Ekpene, Uyo and Oron senatorial districts respectively, assuring the APC governorship candidate of their total support during the elections.