In a press conference on Thursday, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide urged the people of Imo state to dismiss the calls from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Simon Ekpa, and actively participate in the upcoming governorship election on November 11, 2023.
The Acting National Youth Leader, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, alongside key figures such as Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo, Grand Patron of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide-Youth Wing, Comrade Innocent Nduanya, Deputy President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Chidi Nzekwe, Coordinator of NANS Zone F, among others, emphasized the importance of civic engagement during the electoral process.
Rejecting the alleged directive from Simon Ekpa’s pro-Biafra group stating that there would be no election in Imo, Okpalaezeukwu stated, “We call on Ndigbo and Nigerians in the South East to ignore the call to sit at home by Simon Ekpa, who resides in Finland, issuing unsolicited directives.
We also want to send a strong warning to him and his cohorts as we are mindful of the threats and admonish them to desist from such incitement and other barbaric utterances contributing to the security challenges in the South East.”
Addressing the confrontation between the Imo government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which allegedly resulted in the assault on NLC president Joe Ajaero, the group condemned the incident, calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
They also appealed to the NLC to reconsider their threat of a national action starting from November 14, 2023, expressing concerns about the potential adverse effects on society and the economy.
Regarding the November 11, 2023, Imo governorship election, the Igbo youth group affirmed their commitment to promoting a peaceful electoral process.
They highlighted their efforts in sensitizing the populace, especially the youth, to participate peacefully in the election.
The group revealed that they have established a control room in Owerri to monitor the exercise and gather intelligence from all 305 wards in Imo State.
Acknowledging the preparedness of INEC, the Chairman, Inspector General of Police, and Heads of Other Security Agencies, Okpalaezeukwu commended the Imo State government for providing a level playing ground for all candidates, contributing to a campaign period devoid of rancor and violence across the state.
