16th December, 2015
A group known as the ‘Youth for Development’ has stated that Akwa Ibom is in dire need of change because the present administration is no different from the former.
The Akwa Ibom based group, in a statement by its president, Edward Nsikak, expressed joy over the recent discoveries made by the the government at the center, saying such investigations are needed in states across the country to ensure development.
He lamented that while some states in the country were able to achieve change through the polls, “they in Akwa Ibom were deprived of that due to widespread violence during the governorship election.
Nsikak, who noted that his group mentors youths and supports governments in power to ensure development, lamented that the current administration in Akwa Ibom state is a continuation of the past one.
“There is nothing new about the current administration and that is why we need change. We are looking forward to a re-run in the state and we hope that this time, it will be free and fair”.
He hailed the ruling of the tribunal which nullified election in 19 out of the 31 local government areas in the state, while expressing hope that the Appeal Court will nullify the elections in the entire state so that there will be fresh elections.
“We urge the Appeal Court to nullify elections in the entire state so that free and fair elections can be held and the votes of the people will count,” he said.
Nsikak added: “Unlike the present governor, who is a stranger to the state, Chief Umana Umana is well known to all of us. He has served the state in various capacities, including as Secretary to the State Government. He is well grounded in the affairs of the state and if he is given a chance, he will work hard to develop the state.”
He maintained that the group is not against anyone, adding that, it’s focus is on developing the state.
“With the amount of money Akwa Ibom receives as allocation, the people ought to be living better lives. The living conditions should be better than what is obtainable”, he said.
He urged judges of the Appeal Court to consider the lives lost and those who were injured during the last governorship election and call for fresh elections in the entire state.