The Enugu On Air Personalities (OAPs), have frowned at what they described as “the unnecessary and needless drums of war and campaign of calumny by seemingly desperate politicians, who would want to win the Governorship and House of Assembly elections by all means and at all costs.”
The group in a communique presented on 15th March, 2023 emphasised the “need to keep campaigns and the electoral processes issues based as we get to the finish line.”
The communique which was read by the groups Chairman; Uche Gabriel, thanked the Enugu Governor for promoting and sustaining the peace in the state as
“Enugu has been largely peaceful. Thanks to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi who has demonstrated gallantry and sportsmanship even in the face of loss. His post-election behavior is worthy of emulation and as we transit to a change of baton, peace and public good must be upheld as much as possible.”
“In times like these, the four way test of Rotary International comes handy.
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Is it fair to all concerned?
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The group said that politicians can only disrupt the electoral process by the use of thugs, thus reminded the would be political thugs that the children of their paymasters will never be allowed to do the job they’re sent to do.
“There is nothing a politician does without foot soldiers. And while politicians ensure safe heavens for their children and wards, they deploy the services of our children, our brothers who do their dirty jobs to disrupt electoral processes, who kill or maim those who resist their desperation.
“Nobody’s political ambition is worth the life of any citizen, not even political thugs.
“Enugu OAPs, is by this communique appealing to all major stakeholders to do the best they can to ensure that the processes are not marred and that there is no breakdown of law and order.”
Enugu OAPs also called on the electoral umpires to improve on the processes, while urging the security agents to be alive to their duties and ensure adequate security before, during and after the elections.
“We implore INEC to improve the processes of moving sensitive materials and staff to polling units early, ensure that voting commences early enough and ends early, and that results are transmitted at polling units. The elections must be seen to be free, fair and credible
“We also ask that security agencies remain apolitical and ensure the safety of voters and other critical stakeholder.”
They went further “to congratulate South Easterners for waking up from political slumber and apathy. Your votes counted in the presidential and National Assembly elections and will also count in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections.
“We reminded that the State and its constituencies are closer to the people and so should be taken as seriously as the presidential election, if not more.”
Uche Gabriel assured that their association is ready to work with whoever emerges from the process.
“As media people, we restate our renewed commitment to accurately report the elections and wish the frontline candidates, who are all ably qualified and their House of Assembly aspirants a great outing on Saturday.
“We look forward to working with the winners for a greater Enugu in particular and the South East in general.”