Retiring Resident Electoral Commission in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, has shared his experience in the office, saying politicians there are used to rigging.
This may not be too much of a revelation about Nigerian politicians generally, but Igini said they went as far as threatening him with death when he stood on their rigging way.
Speaking to the media on Friday, he said: “My retirement from service is constitutional and I will hand over to the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Akwa Ibom State as I leave the state. I thank the media for giving meaning to the ballot through objective reportage
“INEC in Akwa Ibom State under my watch is very clear on the conduct of elections as directed by INEC at the national level and we are poised to deal with historical challenges as they concern electoral matters.
“Politicians in Akwa Ibom State are used to rigging, but I said no, that is why the dinosaurs are angry. Some believe that they can buy all the people all the time because of permanent interest, but Mike Igini has vowed that I can’t be bought with money.
“INEC workers in the state will continue to serve the people even at the risk of their lives because they are doing the right thing. Democracy will have no meaning if the rule of law is not totally embraced.
“All elements, who acted contrary to the rule of the Electoral Law in 2019, were duly punished, including INEC staff members. INEC has built electoral fireworks in Akwa Ibom State so that electoral template can be maintained.”
Igini recalled that in 2019, about 23 illegal polling units were discovered in the homes of some politicians in the state, adding that his quarrels with politicians started when he ordered that those polling units be relocated to open spaces.
“In 2019, some illegal polling units were identified in the homes of politicians in the state and I directed that such polling units be relocated to open places where people can vote under conducive atmosphere,” he added.
