Eno who made the call when the new Resident Electoral Commissioner,( REC) Mr. Isah Ehimeakhe, paid a courtesy call on him at Government House, Uyo, to commence his familiarization tour of the state, prayed that INEC officials remained neutral in their conduct.

The governor described the recent Supreme Court verdict on the March 18, 2023 guber election in the state as a collective victory and affirmation of INEC’s integrity.

He assured the commission that his administration would partner with all the stakeholders to ensure eligible voters go out to cast their votes during the election coming up in Ikono-Ini Federal constituency and Ibiono Ibom state constituency on February 3, 2024.

His words: “We want to pray and hope that INEC will continue to roll out policies and regulations, that will keep improving on our electoral processes. We also trust that you will continue to maintain a neutral stand in your conduct as always.

”For us as a people, we believe that if there is neutrality, there will be no need for violence, we should conduct elections to let the will of the people prevail. And those of us who are also elected by the people should be accountable to the people that have elected us into offices.

“Elections in Akwa Ibom State have always been generally peaceful except for the few places which is not completely abnormal in our society today.

“And we are aware of the Ikono-Ini federal constituency and Ibiono Ibom state constituency election that are coming up and the duty we have as a State Government is to provide a levelled playing field for everyone.

“The election is conducted in Akwa Ibom and for Akwa Ibomites, and we are all one regardless of the party. I believe that Government’s duty is to provide enabling environment by working with security agencies and INEC to ensure that the people go out to vote their consciences,” he stated.