CNPP says no to rigging, commends INEC’s preparation

The body also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its preparedness for the exercise.CNPP Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, in a statement said: “We are happy with INEC so far. And we urge stakeholders and security agencies to ensure fairness and maintain level playing ground as the people of Anambra go to the polls.”

He said: “All accredited election monitors and civil society groups must be alive to their civic responsibility at this time, to ensure that the popular wish of Anambra people prevail after the poll. It will be in the interest of democracy and good governance if the stakeholders ensure strict adherence to the rules of the game and uphold the Electoral Act, as the outcome of this election will determine the level of confidence of Nigerians ahead of the 2019 general election.

“Therefore, we advise Anambra people to shun any form of violence and report anything that could lead to a breakdown of law and order to INEC and security agencies. We also urge the electorate to troop out to vote the candidate of their choice, to enthrone good governance and ameliorate the hardship being faced by Anambra people.”

Meanwhile, the South East Revival Group (SERG) also called on eligible voters in the state to come out en masse to exercise their civil rights and avoid incidences that could lead to a state of emergency being declared in the state.

In a statement, the group warned against “moves by anti-Igbo elements to foist on the region emergency rule, with a military administrator as overseer of the state. This must be avoided at any cost, as the southeast would be the worst for it, if the people boycott the election.”

SERG added: “We advise the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to thread with caution, to avoid a repeat of the civil war in the country. We appeal to IPOB to sheathe their sword and embrace dialogue. Temptation for bloodletting must be vehemently resisted by all southeasterners.”