.Calls For Adequate Security, Removal of REC
By Amaechi Chidinma
A non denominational Christian group under the aegis concerned church leaders forum led by Pastor Cosmas Ilechukwu has expressed worries on the upcoming Nov 11 Gubernatorial election in Imo State while conveying dismay on the State of the nation.
This was made known during a press briefing on the State of the nation which took place on Tuesday in the capital city of Owerri.
Speaking on behalf of the group on the issue of Nov 11 election Pastor Cosmas Ilechukwu unequivocally stated that Imo people are expected to go to the polls to elect a governor, this he said may be marred by voters apathy according to feelers, he attributed insecurity in the State, thuggery and manifold electoral offences as the cause, which he said has made the electorates to have a rethink that their votes will not count.
Pastor Ilechukwu likened what he described as the regrettable situation of the nation to the situation in Imo State, he reminded Imolites that Imo State was the most cleanest and tourism destination of the nation, he reiterated that the State has turned into the most dreaded, insecure and poverty stricken State in the nation, he blamed the political class for rather than seeking honest and pragmatic steps, they resort to accusations and counter accusations,.
Pastor Ilechukwu reeled out some steps outlined by the concerned church leaders in making sure there is a hitch free election come Nov 11 viz mass mobilization of voters in their respective denominations, interface with INEC to listen to the call by some political parties for the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and ensure the BVAs are used and results uploaded, also the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu before the Nov 11 elections in line with the earlier court order and the need to put in place top notch security measures.
Speaking further Pastor Ilechukwu, also expressed worries over the preponderance of police and army check points on the highways in the South East which he said has turned out to be “extortion points” where security operatives brazenly demand money from commuters.
The renowned clergy, Pastor Ilechukwu seized the platform to enjoin citizens, no matter his or her status to help rebuild the image of the State and the nation at large, while urging Imo State citizens to come out en mass on Nov 11 and vote according to their conscience, dreams and aspirations.
