AA candidate congratulates Soludo, says no need for litigation

Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka

Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate in Saturday’s Anambra election, Ozo Japhet Nweke, has congratulated Professor Chukwuma Soludo on his election victory in the State.

During his post election Press briefing in Awka capital city on Monday, Nweke described the election as free and fair, noting that it was devoid of molestation, intimidation and harassment.

Nweke commended voters for turning out massively and peacefully, crediting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a commendable election.

He said, “The election has come and gone. So far, so good. One cannot but commend the way INEC carried it out. Anambra people have spoken, and so shall it be.

“The election showcased that we have come of age. The take-home is that Anambra people are now matured in their democracy because there was no crisis or voter intimidation in the process.”

Nweke dismissed notions that the election was flawed, questioning why candidates often feel aggrieved an resort to courts after polls.

It has always been the case in Africa: an election is conducted, and one or two persons feel aggrieved and go to court. My question is, why? This showcases to the outside world that there’s always something wrong with our democracy,” he stated.

“I myself have seen and witnessed the election. And I don’t think there is any reason for anyone to go to court.

“Aside the complain of vote-buying, the election was peaceful, free and fair. People went and casted their votes without any form of molestation or intimidation.

“I Jeff Nweke, the governorship candidate of Action Alliance extend my congratulatory message to governor Soludo. People have chosen him. He now has as the people’s mandate.

“The result shows that people still trust him and want him to continue in the work that he is doing.”

While conceding to victor Soludo, Nweke urged him to prioritize job creation to tackle hunger and insecurity – a key issue he campaigned on.

“At the helm of Anambra’s problems is hunger, fueled by unemployment. I expect the governor in his second tenure to focus on massive employment, which will reduce crime.

“I believe strongly that once unemployment is reduced in the state where we can say we are good, it will ultimately reduce crime. So, I’m expecting the governor to look into that area.”

Praising the electorate’s maturity, Nweke stressed the largely peaceful process, noting minimal issues aside from reported vote-buying.

“There was no crisis or voter intimidation. People voted without molestation. Anambra has come of age. Our people are now matured in their democracy because there was no crisis or voter intimidation in the process. ” he said.

He congratulated Soludo, lauding his call for inclusive governance and extension of olive branch to other candidates.

“I have always said that there is nothing as good as inclusive governance which Soludo reaffirmed in his address. I like as he has extended the hand of friendship and partnership to us his election opponents.

“People have chosen him. He now has their mandate. I wish him the best and urge Anambra people to remain law-abiding.

Personally, “I’m wishing him the very best and for God to protect and give him more wisdom in serving the people of Anambra state,” Nweke added.