By VINCENT UJUMADU
AMIDST allegations of partisanship in handling the crisis in some political parties in Anambra State, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, weekend, denied giving official backing to any faction of political parties in the state.

Public Relations Officer of the commission, Mr. Frank Egbo, said in a statement in Awka that what the REC did was to recognize the rights of politicians to belong to any faction of their respective parties.

According to the statement, the clarification became necessary following accusation that the commission was backing a particular faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

The statement said:  “As a person under authority, the REC relates to political parties as directed by the national headquarters of the Commission, Abuja . He recognizes his limitations regarding the likely overt and covert prescriptions of factions.

“In the light of this, our REC as an impartial umpire in the implementation of our electoral laws, wishes to make it clear that he recognizes the right of political parties to run their affairs in the best ways they so desire and in line with the Rule of Law.

“His attitude towards politicians and parties will always be informed by the enabling laws, instructions and directives from INEC headquarters, Abuja , which are always informed by the relevant laws and body.

“He shall continue to uphold the enabling Electoral Act, 2010 as amended, the guidelines issued by the commission and the orders of courts of competent jurisdictions.”