Don’t Allow Detrators Use You To Derail Anambra Election… Group Urges INEC
The Save Anambra Group (SAG), a non-partisan pressure group has called on the Independent National Election (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible election in the Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra.
The group made the call in a Statement made available to journalists in Awka on Tuesday.
The Statement signed by Dr Okwuoma Okeke, the National Coordinator of SAG also raised alarm over the negative effect the numerous intra party litigations were having on the build up to the election.
Okeke urged INEC to not only be neutral but be seen to be neutral by all, warning the electoral body not to support nor tacitly encourage any individual or group to foment crisis.
The group described the legal battles in most political parties as deliberate attempts to whittle down the strength of some parties by denying their candidates recognition
SAG said INEC should be circumspect over court orders and injunctions by not hurriedly accepting a particular order and being hesitant to accept the other even when it was coming from a superior court.
According to SAG, we have watched in consternation the unfolding drama and treachery surrounding the acceptance of candidates for the Anambra Gubernatorial elections.
“It is no longer a secret that INEC is playing to the script of some external forces bent on foisting an unpopular party and candidate on the people of Anambra State.
How do we explain the latest judicial witch-hunt of an alleged suit instituted against “unpublished candidates” of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APGA based on private submissions to INEC.
“How did the individuals gain access to the documents and what is their focus on the issue of the content of a form filled and submitted to the umpire?
“Why is INEC aiding and abetting subterfuge by desperate candidates bent on excluding others so as to have a free ride to Anambra Government house?” He queried.
SAG said INEC should exhibit more transparency as the observed inconsistencies a supposed unbiased umpire seemingly becomes engrossed in allowing fifth columnists to succeed.
“We therefore use this medium to call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to call on officials of INEC to live-up to its “independence,” in Anambra and stop meddling, and rein in some actors in his cabinet who are piling pressure on the umpire to sabotage the will of Anambra people.
“We also urge the Judiciary to continue to maintain its independence and avoid being drawn in by mercantile politicians who can only lure them only to be ridiculed by the truth.
The good people of Anambra and indeed all men of goodwill are watching with keen interest and will not allow the will of the people to be trampled on,” it stated