Anambra poll: Don’t be intimidated by heavy security presence, Ohanaeze urges residents
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has enjoined the people of Anambra State to come out en masse to exercise their franchise at Saturday’s governorship election without fear of intimidation by anybody.
While applauding the Indigenous People of Biafra on its decision to cancel the one-week sit-at-home order earlier scheduled to commence November 5, 2021, urged the residents not to see the presence of security agents as a source of fear rather see it as an encouragement.
Ohanaeze President General, Professor George Obiozor, who stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent in Ekwulobia on Friday, asked the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police and all the Service Chiefs whose men were involved in the election to ensure that the security operatives observe strictly the best global standard of rules of engagement with the good people of Anambra State.
The statement titled, “Anambra Election: Please come out and vote”, read in part “Ohanaeze applauds the decision of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to cancel the one-week sit-at-home order earlier scheduled to commence Friday, November 5, 2021.
“The statement by Emma Powerful, the spokesman of IPOB, that they have heeded the advice of the well-meaning Igbos is a welcome development.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo had earlier pleaded with IPOB to reconsider its position on Sit at Home syndrome in the South East of Nigeria, reiterating that self-immolation is the worst form of rights’ struggle.
“Ohanaeze maintains that IPOB is a child of circumstance occasioned by orchestrated national political decisions; and to this end, it requires a political solution which the leadership of the South East are committed to
“Ohanaeze urges all the Anambra indigenes to come out and exercise their franchise in the November 6 governorship election. The presence of security operatives in thousands should not be a source of fear and trepidation rather a confidence-building dynamic by the federal government to guarantee adequate security of lives and property in the State.”
He added, “the federal security operatives should synergize with the traditional rulers, town union presidents, and local community vigilante for effective coordination of the voting process.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo informs the Chairman, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) that a credible election in Anambra State on November 6, will redound to the reputation of President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria in the comity of nations.
“Finally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide maintains its non-partisanship and neutrality in the Anambra State governorship election; all the candidates are our illustrious sons. May the Best Candidate win.”
