by Ranti Joseph
The wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio on Wednesday urged non-indigenes in the state not to panic but to participate fully in the electoral process as adequate measures have been put in place by government and security agencies to guarantee their safety.
Speaking when non-indigenes residing in the state under the aegis of Arewa, Igbo, Niger Delta and O’dua (AINO) paid a solidarity visit to her at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Akpabio assured the group that the Nigerian constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and earn a living in any part of the country, and encouraged them to report any cases of harassment, especially during the upcoming elections to the police or other law enforcement agencies. She also encouraged them to sensitise members of their various groups to collect their permanent voters cards (PVCs) before the expiration of INEC time table.
“You have a right to vote. Don’t stay back in your houses because of fear of harassment. Nobody is going to burn down your house or hurt you because you supported their opponent. Adequate measures have been put in place to ensure your safety. Get your PVCs if you have not already done so and on the election days, go out and cast your vote. Whatever happens in this state affects you, so you must be part of the decision making process and that begins with your votes,” she said.
She noted that fear of violence often prompts many non-indigenes to travel home during election periods after they have already registered in their places of residence, a situation that deprives them of their franchise during elections.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Sarkin Hausawa of Akwa Ibom State, Hassan Sadauki, acknowledged the contributions of the first lady to the development being witnessed in the state under the Akpabio administration, particularly the impact of her work on women, children and other marginalised constituencies in the state.
Also speaking the spokesperson of the Ijaw Indigenes in Akwa Ibom State, Barr Japheth assured the first lady that the group had thoroughly mobilised members of different ethnic nationalities across the state to participate massively in the coming elections.
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