The Progressive League of Youth Voters has warned that unguarded remarks made by some senior persons are already escalating tension in Imo State ahead of the governorship election on November 11.
This was said by Audu Shuaibu, the group’s national coordinator, on Wednesday in Abuja at a news conference.
The organisation claimed that a particular governor in the South-east planned to invade Imo State during the governorship election together with some members of the Labour Party.
As we are all know, the governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States are quickly approaching. Elections are made to be a do-or-die situation in the majority of the country, with political actors eager to do anything to win their seats, but men of moral integrity always step up to support fair elections. These are the intellectuals who support Nigeria.
“In Imo State, some elderly people are urging war with their frank statements, which is already escalating tension before the election.”
The organisation remarked that it would be improper to remain silent while an elderly person from another state causes mayhem in Imo.
Additionally, they are aware that Imo State’s future is being played with by powerful politicians who want to use their positions to compel a regime change in Imo. This is because they are citizens of Nigeria and were members of formidable support groups before they joined political parties.
The organisation urged President Bola Tinubu to warn regional leaders against making statements that could spark a conflict and to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
It further argued that during the upcoming elections, the decent people of Imo State should have the opportunity to select their governor.
He declared: “Our people must not be bullied or forced into supporting a governorship candidate that Imolites’ adversaries have forced upon them.
“We shall fight back against any attempt to impose themselves or to sow political unrest in Imo State. We would oppose any effort to sway the governor’s race in favour of the Labour Party with the same ferocity.