PDP’s Ozigbo Suspends campaigns, Says, FG Should Dialogue With Agitators
Mr Valentine Ozigbo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra governorship election has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to open up channels of communication with agitators whose activities are threatening the corporate existence of the country .
Ozigbo who made this call in his Nigeria @61 message appealed for an end to the wave of violent attacks and killings which has been witnessed in parts of the state recently.
In the message which he personally signed and made available to journalists by Mrs Aziza Uko, Director, Media and Communications of his Campaign Organisation announced suspension of all campaign activities.
According to him, dialogue is a globally accepted approach to resolving agitations for self-determination, it is time that the Nigerian government opened the door for non-violent solutions to the crisis at hand,
“In the past few days, we have witnessed an alarming escalation of deadly violence in Anambra, we lost an eminent son and several others in what appears to be a renewed violent campaign by bandits.
“Yesterday, a prominent Nigerian public servant, medical doctor, and a stalwart of the PDP, Lawrence Ezenwa, was killed in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra.
“Dr Ezenwa, who is from Abia State, was visiting his wife’s village, Ukpo in Nnewi South, when he met his demise, his driver was also shot and killed.
“On the same day, a vehicle belonging to a federal lawmaker, Engr. Chris Azubogu was attacked, and his driver was killed in cold blood.
“As a son of the soil and a leader, I find the latest reports of violence disturbing and condemnable andI call for a stop to all acts of violence, particularly against the innocent.
“Due to this development, and in line with my belief that no life is worth anybody’s ambition, I suspended all my campaign rallies and public appearances scheduled for this week.
“Every life is precious and ought to be protected and preserved,” he stated.
He said the occasion of the 61st anniversary of Nigeria should be used as a time for sober reflections and genuine commitment to addressing the social and economic challenges of the country.
Ozigbo said as Nigeria marked her 61st Independence anniversary, I wish to call for sober reflection and determined action by federal and state governments.
“Agitations across the country are a direct result of economic and social injustices that have gone on for way too long, we cannot run away from the dark history of our past.
” We must confront our story, ask the hard questions, and right the wrongs to move into a better future, I pray God gives our leaders the courage to do what is right, or he gives us leaders who do,” he stated.
Ozigbo said the gruesome murder of Dr Chike Akunyili, widower of late Prof. Dora Akunyili, former minister of information still left him in stiff shock and expressed deep condolences with people of Anambra and his immediate family.
He urged government to take every lawful step including dialogue to address the issues of self determination which was at the root of the growing insecurity.
“Indeed, all Anambra people and my family are shaken by the unimaginable violence, which took the life of our illustrious son, Dr Chike .
“We mourn his loss and send our deepest sympathies to his children whom I have sent my private condolences to and may the Lord receive the soul of the departed.
“I also extend my condolences to the families of Ezenwa and others who have met a violent end this week at the hands of gunmen on a rampage in Anambra.
“I believe that an injury to any one of us as Ndi Anambra is an injury to me, this is the time for our leaders to stand up and demonstrate leadership we can believe in.
“Every lawful step must be taken to address the growing incidences of insecurity in Anambra and the South East, I call for the end of the dehumanisation of my people, and any people for that matter,” he said.
