Regional News of Friday, 3 November 2023

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Imo elections: Don’t use INEC officials to rig, cause crisis – IPOB warns

The secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against rigging the upcoming November 11 governorship election.

The group said it will not be silent and allow the government use INEC officials to carry out evil deeds in the state.

This was contained in a statement by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful.

The statement reads partly: “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable liberator Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu KANU warns INEC not to throw Imo State into political crisis in the coming Imo State gubernatorial election.

“As much as IPOB does not get involved in the Nigeria fraudulent political selection called election, nevertheless, we are not going to be silent and watch the Nigeria Government use corrupt INEC officials to perpetuate evil in Imo State and by extension the Southeast Region.

“Everyone is familiar with INEC’s fraudulent activities during elections in Nigeria. INEC is not independent but fully dependent on the government in power or to any moneybag politician who lines their pockets.

“However, in this coming election in Imo State, INEC officials must very circumspect not to throw Imo State into crisis by becoming willing tools to renew another four years-mandate of suffering, hunger, and killings.

“INEC officials must not be another Supreme Court that imposed a rejected candidate on Imo Indigenes using the fulanized Supreme Court. That illegality of the Supreme Court threw Imo State into unwarranted suffering, political intimidation, and mass killings.”

Powerful noted that IPOB was against political parties and governments that are toxic to the people of the Southeast.

He alleged that Governor Hope Uzodinma “has ensured that insecurity reigns supreme in Imo State and beyond.”

He warned that “those who are colluding with him to rig him back into power should watch their back. He who fetches an ant-infested firewood has indirectly invited lizards for a party.

“Therefore, INEC officials that Hope Uzodinma handpicked and drafted to rig the Imo State election should be very careful not to buy a market that comes with heavy prices. We want these drafted INEC officials to know that Imo State people are groaning in pains from a killer government and it will be suicidal for them to subvert their wishes in this coming election because of money or threat,” he added.