Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged political actors in Enugu State to eschew any form of violence.
The warning came amidst claims of pre-election violence ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primary elections.
There have been allegations of violent attack among members of the PDP, especially during the elective congresses preceding the primary elections.
In a statement made available to journalists by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, he said such reports were not in anyone’s interest.
Okwu said Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had worked hard to entrench peace in the State and that nobody should return the State to the dark days.
The OYC President said the statement became necessary “as we have been inundated with reports of violence in several parts of the State, preparatory to the PDP primary election.
“As youths, we condemn the deployment of violence the electoral process, especially in a State that has remained the safest in the Zone.
“We urge all the political actors to reign in their members and not to damage the peace efforts of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Politics is not war; it is a game and should be played as such.
“Every interested political player should be allowed to test their popularity before the delegates in a free and fair contest.”
He equally advised the youths against embarking on any form of protest at this point in time, stressing that, “we are getting feelers that some youths want to engage in all forms of protests, especially within the Udi/Ezeagu/Awgu axis of the State.
“However, we say that this is not the best time for this as it has the tendency of being hijacked by hooligans.
“We put the security agencies on notice and advise them to not condone any pro or anti protest in whatever manner within this period.”
Okwu advised the youths to stop making themselves wilful tools in the hands of politicians.
“The same politicians have their children far away from the game of politics, but rely on the hapless members of the society to achieve their selfish motives. The youths should resist them this time around,” he stated.
