C’River LG Polls: IPAC Warns Electorate Against Rigging, Thuggery, Violence

The leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has appealed to residents of the state not to engage in election rigging, political violence, thuggery and acts that are inimical to the development of the State.

IPAC chairman Engr. Effiom Edet made the appeal on Monday in Calabar during the flag-off of the sensitization campaign rally against election rigging, thuggery and political violence in the forthcoming Nov. 2, local government polls in Cross River.

The chairman stated that no country succeeds in choosing the right leaders in an election that is marred by violence and irregularities.

He said: “Election is not a do or die affair, local government council elections which are to be conducted by November cannot be a so or die affair.

“We are taking this sensitization and campaign against violence and thuggery across the three Senatorial districts of the state to educate our people on the subject matter.

“We are here to educate our people on the consequences of engaging in rigging and political violence. Once you rig, you deprive the people opportunity to choose the right people to lead.

“We are asking residents of the state to come out en mass to cast their vote on candidates of thier choice for the local government elections.

“This is why we decided to flag off this sensitization exercise to let our people know that Electorates should not feel intimidated on that day but to come out and vote for candidates of thier choice. Candidate whom they know will attract development to the grassroots”. I PAC chair maintained, ” he emphasized.