Udeme Utip, Uyo
A governorship aspirant for the 2023 elections in Akwa Ibom State, Mr James Iniama has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to deal with all defaulters of the recently published elections timetable without waiting for petitions.
Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday on the recent assent given to the Electoral Amendment Act by President Muhammadu Bihari, the governorship hopeful doubted if the laws as enshrined in the Electoral Act would be followed considering their antecedents.
Iniama, who is aspiring under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), added that some aspirants had gone ahead of the electioneering timetable to anoint consensus candidates for parties not minding what the law stipulates.
He pointed out that the problem of the country has never been that of making laws but enforcing them for those concerned to act accordingly.
He, however, emphasized the need for voter education, which according to him, would enlighten every voter to play the role of a watchdog to ensure that the right thing is being done during the elections, irrespective of those involved.
“The law is no respecter of any persons; so, we will not create a situation where the electoral bill treats one class of persons differently and another lesser.
“For instance, the electoral bill has been passed and INEC followed up with a timetable of activities; if you read the timetable, you will realise that people had bridged that timetable substantially. Without INEC waiting for petitions to come: they should bring such people to book,” he said.
Commending the president of the Federal Republic, the National Assembly, INEC, and everyone who had an input in the making of the Electoral Act, Iniama noted that the achievement has given the nation a 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 now, is voter’s education. Let us all be watchdogs and ensure that the bill is followed to the letter,” he added.
The Estate Surveyor and Valuer said 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.
He said: “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.”