-
Commission summons REC, others to Abuja
-
Atiku, PDP demand arrest, prosecution of REC
From Umar Dankano, Yola
Following the controversial and illegal announcement of the Adamawa State governorship election, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has appealed for calm due to palpable tension and uncertainty in the state.
Governor Fintiri made the appeal at a press briefing held at government house Yola Sunday, accusing the embattled Resident Electoral Commissioner,Yunusa Hudu Ari and his cohorts for pushing the collective patience of Adamawa citizens to his limit.
“Fellow Citizens of Adamawa State, this morning we all woke up to an illegal announcement by merchants of anarchy headed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner – Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari, who since the beginning of this election is bent on pushing our collective patience to its limit.
“It is on record that we went to the polls for the first round of the election on 18th of February, 2023. Even when it was apparent that I was coasting home to victory, this same gang aided the confusion that rendered the election inconclusive.
“As civilized citizens who were committed to democratic ethos, we accepted the situation in good faith and prepared for the rerun. On Saturday, 15th – April, the rerun was held peacefully across the State. The appropriate officers commenced the process of the collation. The first round of the collation went well with 11 LGAs collated, before the process was adjourned to continue on 16th April at 11.00 a.m. Just when we were waiting for the resumption of the collation, the REC this morning took up a task, he is not constitutionally empowered to do by making an illegal announcement of the outcome of the election without result.
“This action is no doubt provocative, but in this situation, I appeal for calm as always. I assure you that as your leader, I will ensure NOBODY thwarts your democratic rights.
“The independent National electoral Commission has demonstrated its umpire status by first distancing itself from the act of the REC and assured that the right thing will be done. The right thing in this context is the conclusion of the collation at the designated location and the declaration of a winner by the Returning Officer in the person of Mele Kyari.
“I must thank you for your resilience and resolve to not only exercise your democratic rights but to also protect it. We are on this until justice is done.”
