2019: European Union observation team familiarises with Eyo Ekpo ahead of the elections

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29 January 2019 
The European Union (EU) election observation mission based in Cross River state has held a familiarization meeting with Mr. Eyo Ekpo, Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The team which met with Ekpo at his campaign office in Calabar the Cross River State capital held that their mission is to provide expert assessment of the electoral process and they will be meeting with all the candidates of the various political parties in the state to intimate them of their presence. 
 Mr. Rio Narve said that they are in Nigeria and Cross River in particular on the instance of the Independent National Electoral Commission to observe the elections and will make recommendations to the electoral body and parties involves in the elections.
Narve insisted that they were only here to observe the elections and not to monitor, as they have no powers to direct the electoral body as to what to do and not do.
Rio further explained the scope of their work to include, "The legal framework and its implementation, the work of election administration, campaign activities of candidates and political parties, the role of state institutions and civil society, the conduct of the media."
They also observe and assess ” the overall environment of the elections, including respect of fundamental freedoms, civil and political rights, election days, including voting, counting, and tabulation of results and complaints and appeals process.
Responding, Mr. Eyo Ekpo thanked the observers for their visit and said his campaign is heavily built on the involvement and participation of young persons and women in politics.
 Ekpo held that his party will play to the rules of that has been set by the electoral body and he has personally been clamoring for all gubernatorial aspirants to sign a binding peace accord.
Ekpo gave them the assurances of his campaign organization and said he is ready to engage with them further.