By Ogar Monday
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State Chapter has warned of plans by candidates of both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency rerun election to be held in Ekureku 1 & 2 to unleash terror and mayhem at the election which holds on Saturday.
The group in a press release made available to news men in Calabar, the Cross River State capital and signed by Castro Ezama, Secretary of IPAC, insist that political parties should abide by the law and desist from acts that are inimical to the wellbeing of the people.
The release reads in part; “The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River Chapter, views with utmost concern, the building tension, arising from preparations for the Ekureku 1 & 2 election rerun for the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, between the Rt. Hon. Barr. John Gaul Lebo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. Dr. Alex Egbona of the All Progressive Congress (APC), slated to hold just a few days away, on Saturday January 25, 2020.”
The release further reads; “Our deep worries stem from the curious observation that the two Contestants involved, are alleged to have amassed an army of miscreants and weaponry, after engaging hordes of private security personnel, for the purpose of conducting surveillance and possibly unleashing terror on perceived opponents, where deemed fit.”
The group said “it strongly condemn such moves, as they were in steep violation of our laws, for the fact that our Constitution rests the burden of securing lives and property on State Agents like Police, DSS, NSCDC, and other State Actors.”
It will be recalled that the Appeal Court sitting in Calabar had on November 2nd, 2019 ordered that fresh elections be conducted in Ekureku 1 & 2 in Abi Local Government Area before 90 days after the candidate of the PDP in the election, Barr. John Gaul Lebo had challenged the outcome of the election.
