Tony Okoh || The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom state has swept all the 31 chairmanships and 329 Councillorship seats in last Saturday’s local government election held in the state.
The result was announced yesterday by the chairman of the state electoral umpire, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak just as elated Akwa Ibom state commissioner for works Mr. Ephraim inyang-eyen described the party’s victory as good for democracy and the party a religion in the state.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday at the commission headquarters Udo Udoma Avenue Uyo, Ikoiwak stated that the local government election was done in line with the relevant laws.
“The said election was contested by twelve (12) political parties and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won the 31 Chairmanship and 329 Councillorship seats respectively.
“This statement confirms the announcement/declarations made by the authorized Returning Officers in various wards and local government areas.
“Details of scores as submitted by our Field Officers will be made available by the Field Operations/Logistics Department of the commission.
“The Commission expresses appreciation to the stakeholders and the good people of Akwa Ibom state for the good conduct exhibited during and after the elections”, the statement reads in part.
The Commission announced that the newly elected council officials should come to the headquarters of the commission today (Monday) for their Certificate of Return.
This is also contained in a separate statement signed by Electoral Commissioner, Legal Matters & Public Affairs AKISIEC, Dr. Faith. E. Umoh for the chairman.
“The Chairmen-elect of the 31 local government areas and all the councilors-elect respectively, are hereby invited to the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) Headquarters No.5 Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo on Monday, December 4 by 12 noon prompt for the collection of Certificate of Return”, Umoh stated.
Meanwhile, the state commissioner for works Mr. Ephraim inyang-eyen who earlier described the poll as free fair and credible has congratulated winners and urged them to be magnanimous in victory.
He urged the chairman-elect and councillors to close ranks and carry everybody along as the assume duties soon in their respective council areas.
He described the PDP as a religion in the state and one that have the interest and wellbeing of the people at heart stressing that party will repeat the same feat in 2019 elections.
The commissioner equally hailed Governor Udom Emmanuel for his outstanding achievements in the state which he said prompted the people’s tremendous support for the PDP in the just concluded Local government elections in the state.