By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The judiciary has been charged to guide against being used to count the votes cast in the Saturday’s poll rather than being counted by the Independent Natıonal Electoral Commission, INEC.
This charge was given by the National Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Dr Gospel Emmah Isong.
Isong charged the judiciary to without delay commence the process of taking record of all the votes cast during the election, rather than wait for litigation at the Appeal/Supreme Court to do a recount of the votes cast in an election.
He said this during the presentation of international award and induction as Ambassador For Peace by Universal Peace Federation of Nigeria on Thursday in Calabar.
Stressing that it was wrong for any politician who lost the election to reject the result of the Saturday’s poll, Isong urged all the contestants to learn to accept defeat.
He said, “Let me start with the electoral umpire, don’t compromise our franchise. Don’t collect money from politicians. You are supposed to be independent.
“I charged the Supreme Court to record all the votes cast, instead of resorting to take the votes to Appeal and Supreme Courts for counting after elections.
“I have so much respect for the judiciary, because my wife is part to the judiciary. We would not accept a situation where some politicians would be sleeping with out carrying enough campaign only to jump to court after elections for results to be upturned in their favour.
“Whatever is the technicality of the law and lacuna of the legal system, let our ballot boxes and PVCs speak louder than any other voice including the voice in the Presidency.”
The cleric urged the nation’s security agencies not to allow the election to be marred by violence.
He also called on would be losers of the contest to borrow from the wisdom of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who accepted defeat and congratulated his political opponent so as not to distablize the country.
He added, “Don’t mobilise thugs against anyone. Nigerians are not ready to witness violence of any form. Accept defeat once an opponent defeats you.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of UPFN, Dr. George Ikott, lauded Bishop Isong for the award, stressing that the Ambassador of Peace lives for the sake of others.
He also said they believe and work for inter-religious unity because irrespective of religion, God is the creator.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion include: Rev. Dr. John Okoriko, Dr. Trinity Ogar, Pastor Rosemary Archibong, and many others.
