My Very Good People, Abians.
On Saturday, the 11th day of April, 2015, elections were conducted in Abia State as well as in other parts of the Country for the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly seats in the ongoing national elections.
Abians were encouraged to go out on the said date to perform their civic responsibility of electing persons of their choice without let or hindrance. This they did and were hopeful that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the body entrusted with the constitutional duty of conducting the elections would announce the results on time, as they did in the previous elections conducted on the 28th of March, 2015.
Surprisingly, the events of the last few days, since the conduct of the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, point to the fact that Abians may have to wait for an unduly long time to get the results of the 11th of April elections.
The dashed expectation of Abians of an early result, as has happened in other states, has heightened tension in the state and raised emotions. Abians are known as peaceful citizens and have creditably conducted themselves peacefully since the build-up to the 2015 elections till the present time. We have not recorded any political assassination or killing in the state; which is commendable and should be sustained.
INEC must remain alive to its constitutional responsibility of conducting credible elections and must at all times be conscious of the fact that citizens attach so much importance to their rights to choose their leaders which right should not be denied in any form.
There are guidelines guiding the conduct of elections in the Country and ample electoral laws on the subject of our elections which must be strictly applied in the interest of all participants in elections and the citizenry. A deviation from these guidelines or an attempt to subvert the will of the people as expressed in their votes may lead to unpleasant consequences.
It is in that light this I call again on INEC to be conscious of their conduct and live above board. Politicians should emulate the enviable attitude of our President, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in not taking the election as a do or die affair. Candidates in this election are advised to turn off the garb of desperation in their quest for political office as power can only come from God through the people. Our youths are advised not to make themselves available as tools in the hands of desperate politicians to create chaos and mayhem in the State. I hereby advise parents and guardians to rise to the occasion and direct their wards and young people under their care to the noble path of rectitude and good conduct.
I advise all Abians and the general public to be patient and law abiding at all times and especially in the days ahead as we expect INEC to do the needful by announcing the outcome of the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections conducted in the state on the 11th of April, 2015 or on any subsequent date, without further delay, in accordance with the extant laws and guidelines on the subject of elections in the country.
The security agencies are also enjoined to live up to their responsibility by ensuring that peace is maintained in Abia State without favour.
Long live Abia State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
God bless the good people of Abia State!
