Akwa Ibom: Violence erupts in Essien Udim re-run

*Heavy Security Presence At Akpabio’s Polling Unit
• Aide Says Akpabio Not Responsible For Mayhem

TRACKING___There was a heavy security presence at Independence High School, Ukana West in Essien Udim, the polling unit of the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during the rerun election in the area yesterday. Materials for Ward 5, Unit 12 were destroyed.

Akpabio and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), had on Friday withdrawn from the rerun, citing irregularities by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini.

However, despite the withdrawal, there was palpable tension at Akpabio’s polling unit, as heavily armed security operatives and armed thugs barred journalists and persons without permanent voter cards (PVCs) from passing through the school’s gate.

Meanwhile, the Press Secretary to Senator Godswill Akpabio, Mr. Anietie Ekong, has debunked as fake and unfounded insinuations that his boss sent hoodlums to hijack voting materials in his ward .

In a statement yesterday, Ekong said Akpabio had withdrawn and as such, could not create confusion in the election.
“It is well- known that because of higher national responsibilities as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Akpabio had withdrawn his candidature from the said election. .. So, on what basis would any sane human being link Senator Akpabio to whatever is happening in Essien Udim?…”

It was observed that voting went on in the three polling units located within the school premises, though there was low turnout of voters. Voting also went on smoothly at Ukana Uwa East, which has two polling units.