Anambra Poll: SNM Demands Sack of Prof Okey Ibeanu, REC over Alleged $4 million Bribery to Rig for APGA
Again, the save Nigeria movement (SNM) has raised the second alarm of plot by top officials of the independent national electoral commission (INEC) to rig this weekend Anambra governorship poll in favour of Professor Charles Soludo of the All progressive grand alliance (APGA)
SNM convener, Rev Solomon Semaka at a press conference in Abuja fingered the INEC national commissioner in charge of logistics Prof Okey Ibeanu and the INEC resident electoral commissioner (REC), Dr Nwachukwu Orji as masterminds of the plot.
The group expressed concern that the duo have not been questioned over their alleged involvement in a $4 million bribery scandal as part of attempt to compromise the Anambra election in favour of APGA.
It noted: “Based on media reports, we quickly identified Gov Obiano and Prof Okey Ibeanu as those responsible for plans to truncate our democracy.
“Weeks after we called for the sack or suspension of Prof Ibeanu from INEC, it is disheartening to note that he is still in the Commission playing very unsavoury roles aimed at compromising the process.
“Just this weekend, Prof Ibeanu travelled to Awka to mobilise support for his paymaster. We understand that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Nwachukwu Orji was his research assistant at UNN where he first helped him secure employment and later appointed REC. This means that the REC is at the beck and call of the Prof.
“The attention of the public and indeed all stakeholders is once again drawn to the unprofessional conduct of Ibeanu and his determination to not only skew the process in favour of Obiano but use his office to stampede the REC and the LG electoral officers do his bidding. Information at our disposal also revealed that the Prof has collected more funds and was in Anambra State during the weekend to distribute same.
“While security agencies and INEC are yet to commence the investigation of the Professor, we demand that such enquiry is begun immediately.”
The group thereby demanded the immediate probe and suspension of Prof Ibeanu insisting that no sensitive duty must be assigned to him in the entire period of the Anambra Governorship election considering his alleged compromised dispositions
The group also called on all NGOs and critical stakeholders to look into the allegations against Prof Ibeanu and advise him to recuse himself from the election in Anambra State.
“We make these demands believing that appropriate agencies will rise to the occasion and do the needful. Professor Ibeanu has become a ticking bomb. Let all men and women of good conscience diffuse now before he explodes on everyone. A stitch in time saves nine. To be before warned is to be before harmed, it added.
