PLATFORM, CHARACTER IMPORTANT IN CHOOSING LEADERS - OKIYI

Chief Okiyi Kalu who made the call in Umuahia while speaking to newsmen stated that it is difficult to divorce leaders from their personal character and political platform while in office.

According to him, "A politician might claim that he will not implement grazing colony as Governor but same politician will be helpless if his political party supports the setting up of grazing colonies. Voters are therefore advised to consider the tendencies of the political platform of contestants to office as well as thier personal character while choosing who will govern them. An arrogant man is a dangerous proposition that voters should distance themselves from as the individual will ultimately mistreat common folks or lead them with the mentality of a "Mr Know AllÔÇØ even while operating within our democratic space.ÔÇØ

He called on INEC to ensure that all the observed lapses in the recent Presidential and National Assembly Elections are corrected while also monitoring the activities of their ad hoc and permanent staff. He assured that the state government was ready to support all those involved in the election to ensure that the legitimate ballot of Abia voters count and are counted.

Chief Okiyi also called on security agents to ensure that they are not used as tools by unscrupulous politicians to thwart the will of the people of the state.

"We have received reports of plans to use security agents to intimidate Abia voters, compel INEC officials to announce wrong results and provide cover for hoodlums to unleash electoral mayhem on the people of the state, and have reported to appropriate authorities. Rogue security agents must know that they are answerable for their actions and will bear full responsibility for any breakdown of law and order in any part of the state.

"Our party, PDP, is ready for free and fair elections and have confidence in the determination of the people of the state to re-elect high performing Governor Okezie Ikpeazu by landslide margins. All we are asking is for the election to be free, fair and peaceful.ÔÇØ