Anambra Elders, Stakeholders Forum for Good Leadership and the task of ensuring free, fair credible election in Anambra on November, 6

Anambra Elders and Stakeholders Forum for Good Leadership, otherwise known as ANELDERSHIP FORUM, recently enjoined INEC, Security Chiefs and political gladiators in the state to ensure that free, fair and credible election holds in the November Six gubernatorial election.

Anambra Elders and Stakeholders Forum for Good Leadership is a non-profit, nonreligious and non-governmental organization saddled with the noble aim of uniting Anambrarians think-tank towards providing an effective platform for transmitting to government at all levels, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and Anambra Association of Town Unions (ASATU), the consensus views of Anambrarians on matters of public interest, and for good governance/leadership in the State.

Notable members of the organization include His Excellency, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife (Okwadike) former Governor of Anambra State, National Leader; Hon Justice Anthony I. Iguh CON (JSC) Chief Judge Emeritus, National President; Hon Justice G.U. ONONIBA, OON, Chief Judge Emeritus, National Advisory Council; Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo) former Chairman, Police Service Commission, National Advisory Council among others.

Since time immemorial, mankind has craved political freedom and equality in an egalitarian society hence the evolvement of democracy – a system of government under the direct or representative rule of the people of its jurisdiction.
It has been proved over time that the worst form of democracy is better than the best military rule.
Unarguably, it is the collective responsibility of all citizens of a given society – more especially the Elders – to ensure that a democratic government is put in place and sustained at all times. Given this, Anambra Elders and Stakeholders Forum for Good Leadership – otherwise known as ANELDERSHIP FORUM made a courtesy call on Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, the Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner and political umpire in the state to ascertain INEC’S level of preparedness in conducting a credible, free and fair election come November six twenty twenty-one.

In recognition of ANELDERSHIP FORUM as INEC’S partner in progress, the Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner assured the delegation that adequate security and logistic measures have been put in place to ensure a successful election on November six. He revealed that INEC is in Red Zone now – a critical state of preparation in which meetings with outsiders and courtesy calls are not allowed but that exception is given to ANELDERSHIP FORUM given the high premium placed on their elderly and professional advice.
On the public outcry that sensitive electoral materials were warehoused in Imo State to facilitate rigging, the Honourable Commissioner debunked the claim and explained that the materials – which were nonsensitive, anyway – were to be taken to Owerri because Imo is INEC’S Zonal store and not for any ulterior motive. However, due to INEC’S stand on transparency, the materials were not stored in Owerri because of the public, erroneous outcry.

On voter education, he informed that through Jingles, Community Outreaches, Targeted Interviews and Stakeholders Involvement, enough publicity have been made about the exercise.
The delegation comprising His Lordship, Honourable Justice Anthony I. Iguh CON, (JSC) and His Lordship Honourable Justice G.U. Ononiba (OON) both represented; His Lordship, Bishop-Elect, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Pastor Michael Obierika, Secretary BOT; Sir Emeka Mbagha; (PRO), Prof Donald Okoli JP; Elder Sunday Udechukwu and Ichie Ekwulu Ubaka – Onowu Umunya also visited and interacted with the State Director of DSS, The State Commandant of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and The Commander, Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Army, Onitsha.

All the security Chiefs who visited assured Anambra Elders that they are all ready to provide adequate security during the election.
Given these assurances, Anambra Elders Forum is appealing to the gubernatorial candidates not to recruit thugs to foment trouble during the election as the office of the governor is not worth the blood of any Anambrarian.
Our agitating youths are also advised to shun violence and allow the election to hold to avoid anarchy that may lead to the declaration of a state of emergency in Anambra State.
For enquiries on the activities of ANELDERSHIP FORUM, please call or Whatsapp the following numbers: 08175777707; 08034909121.