‘Appeal Court ruling on Akwa Ibom gift to election violence victims’

This year, the hopes of Akwa Ibom indigenes were dashed twice, first during the presidential election then during the governorship election, as they were prevented from voting for their choice candidates and entrenching the change they desired.

The activities of enemies of democracy during the polls left many dead and several others injured.

All these were done to force on the people unpopular candidates.

Before the elections, virtually every Akwa Ibom indigene was clamouring for change because they were tired of bad governance. Non-indigenes who are resident in the state were not left out in the clamour.

So, after the election when victory was given to undeserving winners, most of us thought that was the end of the matter and that all hope was lost, especially when viewed against the backdrop of events in the past where only people with money succeeded at the tribunals.

I however followed the matter closely with hope that something will happen to change the cause of things in the state.

When the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Chief Umana Umana approached the tribunal, we all waited with berthed breath to see how far he would go and where the pendulum will swing.

Hopes began to rise with revelations at the tribunal and witnesses accounts.

Nigerians and even members of the international community watched with great interest as events unfolded. When we gathered that total votes supposedly cast were more than number of accredited voters and even forensic experts report showed that there were non-human prints on the ballot, we thought it was a closed case; that the tribunal would cancel the entire election and give us justice.

So imagine my disappointment and that of many others when the tribunal nullified elections in only 18 local government areas.

But Umana, being the dogged fighter and true democrat that he is, marched on to the Appeal Court. While Udom Emmanuel was querying cancellation of election in 18 local government areas, Umana sought nullification of election in the entire state.

He maintained that Udom Emmanuel, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, was not duly elected or returned by majority of the votes cast during the exercise.

I wanted a Christmas gift, but I did not know that I would receive something as special as what I got; the Appeal Court ruling nullifying elections in the entire state. Indeed, the ruling could not have come at a better time.

I am optimistic that the ruling would be upheld at the Supreme Court, so I urge people of my great state not to throw away this opportunity that has been given to us to entrench good governance.

Let us support Chief Umana, who for his love for the state has remained true to the fight for justice. He knows the state well, just as he understands the people and their problems. He has served the state in various capacities and is not a stranger.

Akwa Ibom ought to be greater than it is at the moment in view of our location and resources. Let us join hands and change the face of the state for the better. The time has come for us to say NO to a few people milking resources that are meant for every one. God bless Akwa Ibomites.

Ubong Effiong wrote from Uyo
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