HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, CON, the Chairman Imo State Council of Elders (blue dress in the middle) flanked by prominent members of the Council during the press briefing in Owerri .
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Against the background of rumours, suspense and fears of possible insecurities during the forthcoming Imo State off circle Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC scheduled governorship election,HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, CON, the Chairman Imo State Council of Elders has assured the populace that there’s. sustainable peace and stability in the State for the conduct of free, fair and credible election.
Eze Ilomuanya gave this assurance during a press briefing organized at the Council’s secretariat, New Owerri on Thursday noting that the briefing is of urgent public importance, because it seeks to correct certain misleading and unfounded information being circulated, especially through the social media by some enemies of democracy in Imo State.
According to him, “in Igboland, an elder does not stay at home doing nothing while the she-goat delivers in her tethers. As Elders, we have a sacred duty to ensure that the right things are always done and that there is peace,love unity, and stability in our State and country.
“Unfortunately, we have noticed of late, especially since last week, an unnecessary politically motivated gang up against Imo State government and the constant circulation of all manners of falsehood aimed at destabilizing the November 11,2023 governorship election in the State”
The Chairman pointed out that from their investigations, that they were able to discover that there is a determined effort by some faceless persons to blackmail the State government and security agencies in the State, intimidate those saddled with election duties, and create a false picture of heightened insecurity in order to scare away Imo people from exercising their constitutional right to vote during the election.
He expressed dismay that the Council are indeed, baffled at what the sponsors of these fake alarms and unpatriotic actions at this material time, intend to achieve even when the people have already resolved to participate fully in the November 11, 2023 governorship election.
Eze Ilomuanya further informed that as he speak, many people have started relocating to their respective places of voting, just as there are credible evidences of mass returnees into Imo State who want to vote.
He revealed the resolved of the Council of Elders, that Imo State is very peaceful, hospitable and fully ready for the November 11,2023 governorship election.
That Imo people are very excited about the forth coming governorship election in the State and are not even aware of any factual evidence or proof of the childish rumours of insecurity or any form of public unrest at all, which some disgruntled folks who are desperately pursuing self serving interests are bandying about.
That the Imo State Council of Elders therefore, wishes to assure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Staff conducting the election as well as all security personnel to be deployed for the election, of the maximum cooperation of Imo people, who are naturally very hospitable.
That the Council is however, disturbed at deliberate attempts by some persons to foist hardship, and create rancour among Imo people. Council views this attitude as condemnable and must stop forthwith.
That the Council further strongly advices anybody who is averse to democracy to rethink because democracy is the most representative form of government anywhere in the world.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, for not only assuring of a level playing ground for all political parties and their candidates, but for also practically seeing to it.
Eminent members of the council that participated during the briefing include Chief Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police (Rtd), Senator Chris Anyanwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Wide,Rt Hon. Maxwell Duru, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, Hon. Jerry Chukwueke, Prof Maurice Iwu, Former INEC Chairman and General Sunday Chikwe, Rtd.
Others include Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, Rev Dr Divine Eche, Imo State CAN Chairman, and Mrs Chika Ugwuji.
