Peace Accord Signed Ahead of Akwa Ibom State’s Local Government Elections

As the October 5, 2024 local government elections in Akwa Ibom State approach, a civil society organisation, Centre for Human Rights Accountability Network (CHRAN), has taken steps to ensure a peaceful and credible process. Four days before the election, CHRAN extracted commitments from the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

The commitments were made at a critical stakeholders’ engagement in Uyo, the state capital, where CHRAN director Otuekong Franklyn I song emphasized the need for good governance at the grassroots level. He highlighted the significance of financial autonomy granted to local governments and urged voters to elect credible candidates. "As a CSO, we are concerned about the process of good governance, that is why we are bringing all the stakeholders, security agencies, and the 12 political parties to a round table," he said.

Chairman Usenobong Akpabio, who was present at the engagement, noted that until there is electoral independence at the local level, financial autonomy may not be fully achieved. He believes that someday, the electoral body will be state-based, allowing for greater autonomy and accountability.

Commissioner Obonganwan Dora Ebong, representing Akwa Ibom at the Federal Character Commission, urged electorates to look out for good candidates and not political parties. "The peace of this state is in the hands of AKISIEC. They should do the right thing, not when you stay in your polling unit till evening and you don’t see even a single ballot paper and little time you heard them announce result," she said.

Representatives from AKISIEC, led by Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, promised a fair playing field for all parties and urged candidates to intensify their campaigns within the stipulated time. The peace accord will be signed at the AKISIEC office when all 12 political parties and their candidates are present.

The elections are set to take place on October 5, 2024, and the commitments made by the stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring a peaceful and credible process.