By Chris Njoku, Akwa
Bartho Igwedibia, Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Anambra State has called on the security agencies to be proactive in tackling rising cases of political misconducts in the state.
Igwedibia who bared his mind in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Akwa said reports of destruction of billboards, posters and hate speeches by political opponents were becoming very rampant ahead of November 18 governorship election.
He said though the state is enjoying relative peace now, if proactive steps were not taking to nip the rising incidences of political misconducts in the bud, the forthcoming election might turn violent.
“Aside damaging of election materials, my office is now receiving reports of some political parties blocking roads and attacking others during campaign tours and rallies.’’ He said
Igwedibia urged security agents and INEC not to give any preferential treatment to any party or individual, but should treat complaints to their offices on its merit.
He noted that if actions are not taken fast by relevant agencies, the situation now brewing might be unpleasant for the people.
“Hate speeches and inciting comments by contestants and party chieftains are not what Anambra people want to hear, parties and their candidates should try to tell the people what they intend to do to further develop the state.
“Anambra needs a governor that will carry everybody along, share resources and opportunities equitably, a transparent person that will meet with the people, ascertain their needs, before he/she sites projects in their area.
“We want somebody that will build bridges of friendship with states within and outside Nigeria so as to achieve the task of providing more jobs for the teaming jobless youths and reduce crime and criminalities in our society’’, he said.
Igwedibia said that IPAC in the state has not endorsed Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra nor any other candidate as its sole candidate for the Nov.18 governorship election in the state.
“IPAC in Anambra has no prefer governorship candidate for the Nov.18 Anambra election, the council under my watch has 36 political parties including APGA, APC, PDP, Accord etc as members.
“None of these parties nor their governorship candidate could boost that he or she has the endorsement of IPAC, all we are saying is that we want the best person to emerge as governor on November 18 and so the game is open for all’’, he said.
Igwedibia explained that as the chairman of IPAC he is subject to answer calls from all the political parties, saying my visiting and talk should not be misinterpreted to mean that IPAC is backing any guber candidate.
He however appealed to INEC to do everything possible to ensure transparent conduct of the Nov.18 governorship election in the state.
