Mr Aniekan Umanah, member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency.
Abasifreke Effiong
Akwa Ibom National Assembly member, representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency, Mr Aniekan Umanah, has said he will not challenge the outcome of his re-election at the tribunal despite screaming irregularities.
Mr Clement Jimbo, of the All Progressives Congress, defeated Mr Umanah, in a supplementary election conducted on April 15.
Mr Umanah, who sought a second term on the platform of the PDP, said in a statement posted on his Facebook page that he will not challenge the outcome of the election at the tribunal despite “valuable information about irregularities in some areas”.
He said despite calls by his supporters to challenge the outcome of the election at the tribunal, he has decided otherwise.
“Having experienced the distraction of post election litigation in 2019, when my electoral victory was challenged up to the Appeal court, I feel obligated to spare my successor such long, distracting and draining journey around the courts.
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“I have always been of the conviction that a society that has on many fronts supported me, be allowed to move forward for meaningful progress . As such having consulted my family, friends, associates and the Aniekanabasi 2023 Campaign Organization, I have decided NOT to contest the outcome of the election, despite screaming irregularities.”
“As with every electoral outing, I accept in good faith the outcome of the February 25 and April 15 elections and plead on my teaming (sic) supporters to show understanding, sustain their support for the leader of our party in the State, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel and our incoming Governor, His Excellency, Pst. Umo Eno as I promise to continue working for the development and growth of our Federal Constituency and people in any capacity”, Umanah said in statement.
The lawmaker said he will present a comprehensive scorecard of his achievements and details of my representation in the last four years, including bills, motions and interventions as well as constituents empowerment programmes and projects.
