The Conference of Akwa Ibom Councillors, under the aegis of The Deciders has taken a swipe at the European Observer Mission (EOM) over its report on the conduct of the April 11, 2015 Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

In a 10-point communique issued at the end of its meeting in Uyo to deliberate on the outcome of the 2015 general elections, the serving councillors representing the 329 Wards in the state, frowned at the European observer team. They argued that the minor incidents of violence in one or two spots did not warrant a blanket classification of the elections as violent by the EOM team.

Leading other Councillors in the group to endorse the communique were the chairman, Hon. Charles Bassey, secretary, Hon. Nkeruwem Okon and Chancellor, and Hon. Inemesit Ubokudom.

The councillors commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of credible and fair elections in the country, especially in polls in the state. They also thanked their teeming constituents for coming out and voting en masse for candidates of their choice.

The councillors scored the security agencies high for ensuring a peaceful and orderly atmosphere for the elections to hold across the various polling units and wards in the state. They declared their total acceptance of the results as announced by INEC as being a true reflection of the wishes of the electorate in the state.

The communique described as “embarrassing and disgusting, attempts by those candidates and parties who lost in the election to breach the peace by crying wolf where there is none.” It urged them to rather emulate President Goodluck Jonathan by conceding defeat in good faith.

The councillors also called on winners in the elections to run an all-inclusive government by extending a hand of fellowship to their fellow contestants. They advised candidates and political parties who feel dissatisfied with the outcome of the elections to seek redress within the ambit of the law.

Governor Godswill Akpabio received commendation from the councilors “for his laudable achievements in office and steadfastness in advancing the principle of equity and justice in Akwa Ibom State, which produced Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as the Governor-Elect.”

The councillors felicitated with the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osibanji, as well as Governor and Deputy Governor-Elect of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and Obong Moses Ekpo respectively. They expressed confidence that the next democratic phase will consolidate on development in the state.

•Photo shows INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.