CALABAR - Women in Erei ward of Biase Local Government Area, Cross River, on Tuesday protested against return of incumbent Chairman, Dr Emil Inyang, by Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC).

The women mostly aged 80 years and some traditional rulers marched on the streets of Calabar alleging that the outcome of the local government election held last Saturday did not reflect the verdict of the electorate.

“We came out to vote but we did not see election materials, yet they have written results declaring Dr Emil Inyang of PDP the winner,” they alleged.

They also alleged that the election materials were diverted to the apartments of a National Assembly member and another PDP chieftain from the area.

The spokeswoman of Erei women, Mrs. Gloria Owali, said: “If this is what electoral reform is all about, it then means Nigeria has yet to be ready for true democracy,” they said.

They also alleged that some security agents conspired with the PDP faithful to prevent the electorate from electing the candidate of their choice.

The women barricaded the secretariat of the CROSIEC and the road leading to Governor’s Office during the protest.

The protesters claimed that Bishop Frank Owali of APGA won the election in Erei ward.
The spokeswoman for Erei women called on the governor to cancel the election.

Contacted, the Chairman of CROSIEC, Mr. Patrick Otu, said the result declared was the genuine one made available to the commission by the electoral officer for the area.