Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) Chairmanship nominee, Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa, was grilled by members of the State House of Assembly for more than an hour during an executive session of the House today in Umuahia.

Speaking to newsmen after his screening, Prof Mkpa whose name was forwarded to the house by Governor Ikpeazu on Friday, vowed to ensure fairness to all parties in the state but warned fake certificate holders to disqualify themselves from elections to be conducted by the Commission.

He denied allegations that he is a card carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or any other political party and challenged those peddling the allegation to come forward with evidence of his being a registered member of any party. According to him, “I am not a card carrying member of any political party even though I’ve served in various positions in the state. Let me also use this opportunity to assure all Abians that under my watch we will conduct free and fair elections with utmost transparency but will not tolerate anyone with fake or forged certificate. I want to encourage such people to disqualify themselves now.”

He assured that the commission will soon release timetable for LGA elections after consultations with relevant stakeholders.