For Immediate Release: Anambra Stampede, 28 Worshippers Killed– A Call For Urgent Actions

SOUTH EAST GOVERNANCE NETWORK

PRESS RELEASE

–

5^th November, 2013

South East Governance Network (SEGON) received with great shock the news of the death of 28 worshippers at Holy Ghost Adoration Arena at Ukein Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State in the early hours of Saturday, 2^nd of November, 2013.

SEGON is very worried by the allegation that the stampede was the fallout of the political campaign activities of All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in thebuild up to the November 16^th Gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

SEGON is worried by the emerging dangerous trend in the South East of Nigeria, where some politicians and religious leaders are negatively deploying religion in politics and governance.

SEGON therefore;

1. Call on the Nigeria Police and other relevant law enforcement agencies to collaboratively, independently and urgently investigate this sad and avoidable incidence, with a view to bringing all the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice without any delay.

1. Condemn in very strong terms any attempt by any political party or political parties to deploy violence and wanton killing of citizens as a political campaign tool in Anambra State.

1. Condemns the negative deployment of religion in the politics and governance of the South East.

SEGON further recommends as follows;

1. The immediate scale up of security in Anambra State by the Nigeria Police and other relevant stakeholders to halt further political violence and killing of defenseless citizens in the state.
2. That the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should display transparent independence and neutrality in its pronouncements and conduct in the build up to the gubernatorial election to prevent the escalation of the already tensed situation .
3. That the Federal Government and its agencies including the National Orientation Agency (NOA) should rise up to their statutory responsibility by maximally providing for the safety of the lives and property of citizens and inhabitants of the South East of Nigeria.

SEGON expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased victims.

For further information, SEGON can be reached at; 08035927419 or 08038292912 or 08033582275.

Signed

Cassius Ukwugbe

Special Rapportuer on Democracy (Federal and State)

IfeanyiAnyanwu

Special Rapporteur on Security

Jude Ohanele

President