The peaceful conduct of the Local Government elections across Akwa Ibom State has earned Governor Udom Emmanuel commendation from senior citizens of the State.

Shortly after casting his vote at his unit in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio said the governor has contributed in deepening democracy in Nigeria, as the local government is the heartbeat of democracy.

Senator Akpabio while making a case for the replication of the Akwa Ibom example across States in Nigeria also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for non-interference in elections, describing such as a sign of political maturity of the country.

On their part, former Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, and Attorney General of the State, Barrister Uwemedimo Nwoko said the peace and orderliness that characterized the election shows that Governor Udom Emmanuel is every inch a statesman.

Barrister Enoidem, who is a National Legal Adviser hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP said the election reaffirms Governor Udom Emmaunel as the symbol of peace and good governance.

“You can see, it is such patriotic disposition of the governor that makes us sit like a family meeting in Etim Ekpo, and not a political meeting. This is highly commendable,” Enoidem quipped.

At Urua Inyang, where electoral materials were distributed for Ika Local Government Area, Barrister Nwoko said the peaceful exercise was in keeping with the directive of the governor that everybody should embrace free, fair and credible election.

He added that “in Ika, we have an understanding that election should not be a do or die affair. Whoever wins on ground, will be declared, and others will support him or her. A person that emerges through such democratic process will be seen as the choice of the people of Ika and the respective wards.

The glowing tribute on the governor did not dim in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. After casting his vote at Ward Seven, Unit Six, Ikot Enwang, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien said Governor Udom Emmanuel has scored another “A” by ensuring the conduct of a credible election across the State.

From Ika to Etim Ekpo, Abak, Essien Udim, Ikot Ekpene and other local government areas in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the local government election was generally peaceful.