The Abia State chapter of the Apex Igbo socio political organization Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, has called on politicians in the state to play politics without rancour and bitterness in the run up to the 2023 general election.
The body also warned that it would blacklist any politician or political party that will in engage in any act capable of truncating the peace of the state.
The warning was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by the President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abia State
Comrade Okey Paul-Nwankwo.
He frowned at the clash between two groups at the Umuahia township stadium during the visit of All Progressive Party presidential candidate Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nwankwo, who described the clash between the groups purportedly supporting the APC governorship candidate in the state, chief Ikechi Emenike and the Senate chief whip of the chief Orji Uzor Kalu, as a show of shame, insisted that such act would not be tolerated by organization in the state.
He stated the that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, will set up a bi-partisan Election Monitoring Committee, to ensure that all political players maintain the constitutional rules of engagement while soliciting for votes.
The statement read in part, “I
implore the youths to know that we don’t have any other state than Abia.We therefore, advise every sons and daughters of the state, to be mindful of his or her life; conduct themselves with decorum, and never allow politicians whose selfish interest rest solely on their inordinate ambitions is to hoodwink or cajole them into violence and unnecessary death as a result of election.
“Abians are peace loving people, blessed with a governor whose profound leadership style enabled an atmosphere, conducive for developmental growth trajectory. It is therefore a shame that politics of bitterness, acrimony and rancor is practiced within a state as peaceful as heaven.
“We have resolved that if any breakdown of law and order is recorded as a result of the shenanigans of few disgruntled political gladiators, that Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not hesitate to blacklist those involved.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo will partner with the governor of Abia state, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu PhD to finish strong and handover to the new governor in atmosphere of peace”.
Nwankwo, also commiserate with the governor, family members and the entire state over the unfortunate demise of late Prof Uche Ikonne,
He also added that Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide are in a mourning period due to the death of her President General Amb Prof George Obiozor UGWUMBA, and his deputy High Chief Khromham.