By Festus Ahon
UGHELLI — THE Delta State Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, led by foremost Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clarke, yesterday, called on the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, to make a declaration as to the difference between a re-run of an election and a fresh election.

Making the call at Kiagbodo, the country home of Chief Edwin Clarke in a briefing, the group said the call became necessary so as to educate the people of the state on what type of election they should expect and who should participate in such election.

The group in the press  statement, signed by Prince A. Abugo, publicity Secretary and Sir Eddy Akangbo, Secretary said; “we will not support Dr. Uduaghan’s candidature because the party is divided into factions since 2006 as a result of his imposition on the people of Delta State by his first cousin, Chief James Onanefe Ibori”.

“We will therefore not yield to any blackmail or intimidation because our position has been vindicated by the judiciary and Almighty God. The court of Appeal Benin City in its judgment declared that there should be fresh election because there was no election in April, 2007.

“The impeccable Court of Appeal in its judgment, directed that fresh election should be held and not re-run. We are therefore calling on the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to make a declaration as to the difference between a rerun of an election and fresh election in order to educate or inform the people of Delta State on what type of election they should expect and who should participate in such election.”

Fielding questions from newsmen during the conference, Chief Edwin Clarke said he would rather die than accepting what was unfair for the people of the state, commending the court of Appeal for its judgment.

According to him, their problem with Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan did not start today and would not allow anybody to impose him on them. He added that their internal wrangling within the PDP in the State and unacceptability of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan would not affect the prospect of Dr Goodluck Jonathan in the 2011 election in the State.

Saying that Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan was unpopular in the State and beyond, he alleged that he (Uduaghan) did not perform while in office. He however said some of them were against Chief Great Ogboru for not pursuing his case with all seriousness, until they were vindicated by the court.