Emulate IGP, redeploy Imo REC, PDP urges INEC
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has appealed to all stakeholders to embrace peace.

Secretary-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement, yesterday, commended the Presidency, through the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for implementing one of the requests of Organised Labour by redeploying the Commissioner of Police (CP), Ahmed Barde.

It recalled the November 1, 2023 clash involving alleged agents of the state government, the police and the Organised Labour, which led to the brutalisation of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo said following the redeployment of the CP, the NLC should consider shelving its nationwide strike scheduled for tomorrow.

The statement reads: “With 17 gubernatorial candidates vying for the position, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in light of recent events, is earnestly calling on NLC to consider shelving the nationwide strike scheduled for November 8, 2023. This appeal is made following the redeployment of CP Barde.

“It is vital that the leaders involved, Governor Hope Uzodimma and Ajaero, both esteemed Igbo sons, prioritise peace and allow for a conducive environment for the electoral process to transpire smoothly in Imo.”

Ohanaeze, which said the recent acts of violence witnessed in the state might lead to voter apathy and low turnout, added: “It is crucial for Imolites, both citizens and residents, to actively participate in the democratic process by coming out en masse to vote according to their consciences and choices.

“The destiny and future of Imo are at stake, and the state government, Organised Labour (NLC and TUC) and Biafra agitators must allow the citizens and residents of the state to exercise their fundamental civic rights and freedoms to vote for their preferred candidates.”

Furthermore, Ohanaeze appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that security agents and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) carry out their constitutional duties with independence and impartiality.

ALSO, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo, Prof. Sylvia Agu.

PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, yesterday, contended that Agu should be removed “for allegedly being compromised to manipulate the November 11 election in Imo in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The party further implored INEC to emulate the IGP, who redeployed the Commissioners of Police in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states, in response to the outcry of the people for neutrality in the elections.