The first civilian governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, has said that Anambra people will resist any attempt to rig in a candidate to rule over the people of the state in Saturday’s governorship election.
Ezeife who spoke on behalf of Anambra Elders Forum comprising of prominent sons of the state in a press conference in Awka said there have been allegations of some political parties planning to rig the election, but those who allow themselves to be rigged in would not be allowed to govern the people of the state.
“If you are rigged in, we are the ones you will govern, is it not? Then, let them come and govern us let us see,” Ezeife said while responded to a question of what the people of the state would do if a candidate was imposed on them.
The former governor said part of what the elders council agreed upon during a meeting with Governor Obiano when he was newly elected was that if he could fix security in the state, that he would be given a second term.
“You know that security situation got to a point when traditional marriages which should be done in Anambra were now being don in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt because people were afraid of coming back home because they would be kidnapped.
“So, during a meeting with the governor during his early days in office, we asked him if he thinks he can fix security and he said yes. So the elders said that if he was able to dob it, that he can get a second term.
“Today, you all live in Awka and can see the level of security in this place. That is why the elders believe that he should have a second term,” Ezeife said.
Speaking on the threat by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra to scuttle the election, Ezeife said, “The threat is the worst mistake any Anambra man will make.
“I can’t imagine that any Anambra person, or Igbo man or woman can imagine that this is in the interest of Igbos. What interest can be served by not having election?
“What happens if there is no election? What happens if the incumbent is to leave office and there is no one to succeed?
“That government which unleashed python dance is the same government that will now declare a state of emergency and choose who will be the governor, and donyou think they will choose your brother? Nothing good can come out of that boycott plan, rather Anambra people will loss seriously and I do not understand how an Igbo man will ever contemplate this.
“I urge Anambra people to come out enmasse and vote for the candidate of their choice,” the former governor begged.
