Group Cautions APC, PDP Supporters Against Post Election Violence

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, Nigeria 2015 Election Monday, March 9th, 2015

FROM IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu – Ahead of the general elections, a group under the aegis of Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, has urged the international community and federal government to caution supporters of the two leading political parties, against any form of post election violence, especially in parts of Northern Nigeria.

Founder of IYM, Evangelist Elliot Uko, who spoke with newsmen weekend in Enugu, during a peaceful demonstration on the need for a violence- free polls, put together by the organization, also appealed to Nigerians to eschew violence and blood shed during and after the elections.

Our Correspondent reports that members of the organization, had during the exercise, displayed placards with various anti- election violence inscriptions.

He regretted that over the years, including 2011, thousands of Nigerians, especially Ndigbo, were slaughtered in post election violence, mostly in the Northern parts of the country.

Uko whose organization put together the exercise in conjuction with South east Self Determination Coalition said :”We pray and plead with our compatriots to remember that destruction of lives could lead to more disunity.

“Our massage to those who usually pounce on Ndigbo, and slaughter us is, do not kill us again, because enough is enough this time, as there is always a limit to what a people can endure” IYM warned.

“Ndigbo have suffered over and over in Nigeria over riots of all shades and forms. From MATSATSINE crisis to SHARIA riots, Igbo lives have been sacrificed unnecessarily”

While insisting that the only answer to the economic and political problems facing the nation remains restructuring of the country, Uko, enjoined all the relevant authorities, and Nigerians to join hand together in averting all manner of crisis during and after the elections.

According to him, “Our massage to the federal government is, provide enough security to secure life and properties, during and after the elections. We believe it is the duty of government to protect the citizens during and after elections”

“Our massage to the international community is, mount enough diplomatic pressure both on the two leading political parties, to caution their followers, monitors and the federal government to ensure enough strict protection of life and properties, especially as the results are announced”

“Our plea is that everything should be done to avert crisis, we do not enjoy being slaughtered like chicken. We believe Nigeria can hold peaceful elections without blood shed” he insisted.