Unguarded statements by senior citizens causing tension – Group alleges

Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, the Progressives League of Youth Voters has raised the alarm that unguarded statements by some senior citizens was already building up tension in the state

The National Coordinator of the group, Audu Shuaibu, stated this on Wednesday while addressing a press conference in Abuja.

The group alleged that a certain governor in the South-east was planning to invade Imo State with some members of the Labour Party during the governorship election.

Shuaibu alleged: “As we are aware, the Imo State Governorship election is fast approaching alongside Kogi and Bayelsa States. In most parts of the country, elections are made to be a do or die affair, with political actors willing to do anything to secure their seats but men of good conscience always stand to advocate for peaceful elections. Such are leaders of thought who believe in Nigeria.

“In Imo State, some senior citizens are calling for war with their unguarded statements, which is already building up tension ahead of the poll.”

The group noted that it would be wrong to fold its arms and watch a senior citizen from another state cause chaos in Imo.

It added that as citizens of Nigeria, before becoming members of political parties and as members of formidable support groups whose interest is the development of Nigeria, they are aware that the future of Imo State was being toyed with by highly placed politicians who want to use the influence of their offices to force a regime change in Imo.

The group called on President Bola Tinubu to caution leaders from the region against statements that are capable of causing a crisis and not to meddle in the affairs of other states.

It further maintained that the good people of Imo State should be allowed to choose their Governor in the coming elections.

He said: “Our people must not be intimidated or coerced into accepting a governorship candidate imposed on them by enemies of Imolites.

“We will resist any form of imposition or plot to cause political instability in Imo State. We would resist with equal vigour, any attempt to influence the gubernatorial elections to favour the Labour Party.”