Ohanaeze took the stand following fears in some quarters, with the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, declaring a sit-at-home beginning from the eve of the much awaited polls.
Though it said its directive was not targeted at Anambra polls, it is believed that should the order stand, the election would be adversely affected.
In a press statement made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday, Ohanaeze said Ndigbo would be doing themselves the highest disservice should they not participate in the election.
The statement was signed by the President-General of OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike.
He declared that, “every well-meaning Igbo man and woman should do everything to ensure that the Anambra election is conducted in a smooth atmosphere.
“We should not forget that Anambra State is the economic capital of the South-East, a state playing host to the largest market in West Africa, among other things.
“This is not a State we should toy with as whatever affects it will ultimately have effect on the other South-East States. Already, the region is counting its losses following the Monday sit-at-home which has now lasted over two months.
“This is why we commend the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, for identifying with this election. We urge other agitators to do the same as the conduct of this election does not in any way jeopardize the current self-determination struggle.”
He added that “no one should pretend not to know what will be the direct consequence of the boycott of this exercise.
“The fact remains that a governor must emerge in Anambra State, either through a presidential fiat in the form of state of emergency or systematic rigging of the polls in the favour of the government preferred candidate. This is why Anambra people must be allowed to freely choose their next governor.
“We urge the IPOB to withdraw the lockdown order and allow our people to take part in this process; this exercise should not be truncated.”
(DailyPost)
