A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nri Ancient Kingdom, Chief Ogochukwu Egolum, has assured that the community remains committed to peaceful elections.
Egolum declared support for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the November 8 Anambra governorship poll.
Speaking in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, Egolum described the town as the custodian of Igbo culture and tradition, stressing that violence and bloodshed are considered abominations in the community.
“Because we are Nri people, peace-loving and God-fearing, we abhor violence. Elections here have never been characterized by bloodshed.
“At most, you see minor disagreements out of misunderstanding between voters and security personnel, but never violence,” he said.
Egolum explained that elections in Nri are often influenced by sentiments depending on the type of poll being conducted, whether at the local, state, or federal level.
While acknowledging political bickering, he emphasized that contests in the kingdom have always been largely free and peaceful.
Anaocha, he noted, has been a hub of active politics in Anambra over the last 20 years, producing both partisan and non-partisan actors.
Nri is against violence
However, he maintained that the people always work hard to contain acts of desperation by politicians.
The APGA chieftain reiterated that Nri and Anaocha would stand firmly with Governor Soludo, insisting that zoning and equity demand that the governor completes his second term.
“By justice and equity, we do not expect Nri or Anaocha to vote against Professor Soludo. He is from the South and should be allowed to finish his eight years.
“After that, power will shift to Anambra Central, and everyone in the Zone is free to contest,” he declared.
Egolum also noted that prominent politicians from the area, including Senator Uche Ekwunife who is currently with the APC, have their followership, but stressed that Nri’s collective interest is best served by supporting APGA in the forthcoming election.
Warning against violence
He warned security agencies, INEC officials, and politicians against attempting to subvert the wishes of the people through electoral malpractice, describing such as an affront to the traditions of Nri kingdom.
“Anybody who tries to bring violence into this community, the land will seize the person. Government is for the people.
“No security officer or INEC official should dare attempt to change the will of Nri. We will resist peacefully, but they will not go scot-free,” Egolum warned.
The APGA stalwart expressed confidence that the November election would reflect the wishes of the people of Nri and Anaocha, anchored on peace, fairness, and equity.
