Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to remain neutral while conducting elections in the country.
Eno stated this when the state’s new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr Isah Ehimeakhe, paid him a courtesy call at the Government House in Uyo on Wednesday.
According to the governor, if the electoral umpire is neutral, there would be no need for violence during elections.
He said, “We also trust that you will continue to maintain a very neutral stand in your conduct as always.
“For us as a people, we believe that if there is neutrality, there will be no need for violence, we should conduct elections to let the will of the people prevail.
“And those of us who are also elected by the people should be accountable to the people that have elected us into office”.
The governor also tasked INEC to be innovative in initiating policies and regulations that will continuously improve electoral processes in the country.
He acknowledged the commission’s record of credible elections over time, describing the recent Supreme Court judgment on the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state as a collective victory and affirmation of INEC’s integrity.
Eno congratulated the REC on his appointment and sued for greater commitment of the commission to neutrality to maintain its credibility.