National leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Ebenizer Ikeyina, has asked the federal government to ensure that the November 6, 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra State is smooth, peaceful and credible.
The Ikeyina who represented Anambra Central at the National Assembly explained that that it was worrisome when Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, declared that the federal government could contemplate declaring a state of emergency in the state, pointing out that even though there were killings in the state, it has gotten to the point of suggesting declaration of a state of emergency in a state that has being adjudged one of the most peaceful in the country.
He told newsmen today, Sunday, October 10, 2021 that the people of Anambra and indeed all Nigerians were relieved when Governor Willie Obiano dispelled the speculations after meeting with the President some days ago at the Aso Rock Villa over the matter.
,“It was heart cheering when Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State met with the President and he confirmed to him that he never supported Malami’s comment. It shows that the AGF was not speaking the mind of the federal government. It is also good if the President will go a step further to ensure that the Anambra election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.”
Ikeyina disclosed that Nigerians and Anambra people in particular are watching to see the President match words with action by instructing the various arms of government, security personnel and all those who will play one role or the other in the election to ensure that no action of the government will lead to voter apathy or disrupt the election process.
“According to the governor, the President warned political parties against using intimidation for the opposition parties in the November 6 governorship election. It is a good statement coming from a leader. We want all of these to be put into action, so that the Anambra people can come out and vote for the candidate of their choice in November,” he said.
The former lawmaker maintained that all hands must be on deck to make sure that Anambra State which for over seven years has been categorised among the most peaceful states in the country, “We don’t want criminality imported into our state. It is unfortunate that over a dozen people were reported killed in Anambra State in two weeks. The security agencies have a responsibility to stop further killings, even though there is not enough reason for anyone to call for a state of emergency in that state when there are states where people are killed in their hundreds and the government hasn’t contemplated declaring a state of emergency there,” he declared.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
