The chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC, Dr Ekong Boco, has declared three women and 15 men as winners of the November 2, 2024, local council elections held in all the 18 LGAs and 196 wards of the state.
Dr Boco made the declaration at the CROSIEC office in Calabar, saying all winners are from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Following the announcement, all the elected chairmen were presented with certificates of return.
The CROSIEC chairman emphasised the importance of fulfilling campaign promises and the responsibilities associated with local government councils in democratic governance.
During the ceremony to present certificates of return to the elected chairmen, the chief of staff to the governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, highlighted the crucial tasks awaiting the newly elected officials, including addressing the needs of their constituents, promoting transparency, and fulfilling their electoral commitments in line with the People First mantra championed by Governor Bassey Otu.
He emphasised that the success in the local government polls paves the way for the state government to continue showcasing effective governance and making a positive impact on the lives of the people in Cross River State.
Reacting sharply against the declaration in a statement, the senator representing Cross River northern district in the National Assembly, Jarigbe Agom, described it as unfortunate and troubling.
He said the result is an affront to democracy, as it suppresses competition, disenfranchises the electorate, and erodes the very essence of a free and fair electoral process.
“I make this statement not just as a senator but as a voice for true democracy,” he said.
Jarigbo said he was disturbed and disappointed by the events that transpired on November 2, 2024.
According to him, the process was hijacked by the APC-led government and was manipulated to ensure a predetermined outcome in favour of APC candidates.
“This unfortunate episode is a symptom of the broader disease plaguing our democratic institutions nationwide, revealing a troubling pattern that must be confronted if we are to protect the integrity of our democracy,” he stated.