David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Former governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba, has described as unnecessary, the ongoing controversy on the choice of former governor Peter Obi as running mate to the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Etiaba said the manner in which the decision was taken might not have been the best, but maintained that the outburst was uncalled for.
Etiaba adjudged to be the first female governor in Africa, who spoke to newsmen in her country home, Nnewi, at the weekend, asked the aggrieved members to sheathe their swords and accept the choice in good faith.
“Those aggrieved by the choice might have felt slighted due to the manner the decision was arrived at. I know there would have been better ways to have come up with the decision. But, thank God Atiku remembered us this time, after many years of marginalisation,” she said.
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She further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and unbiased disposition ahead of 2019 general elections.
She said insisting on doing the right thing would not only produce credible and acceptable results, but, also, reduce the number of litigations.
“I plead with INEC to do the needful as the final arbiter. Asking people to go to the tribunal after election would not be the best option,” she added.
The former governor also encouraged eligible voters to obtain their permanent voters cards (PVCs) and vote wisely during the polls.
“We should endeavour to get our PVCs ready and to vote according to our conscience. Nobody should be coerced into voting for the candidate who is not his or her choice. But, the score card is very necessary while voting. Remember, it’s not only APC and PDP that are contesting the election. There are about 70 other presidential aspirants.”
She also cautioned youths to eschew electoral violence, insisting that election should not be seen as a do-or-die affair.
