We are working towards a full participatory, peaceful elec

We are working towards a full participatory, peaceful election - Obi of Onitsha assures Datti

Fri, Feb 17, 2023

2 MIN READ

Politics

By Tai Emeka Obasi

THE Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, CFR was quite attentively observing and listening to the vice presidential candidate of Labour Party, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed at the Palace's conference hall on February 16 as the ex-senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria effortlessly expressed in carefully chosen words why HE Peter Obi should be the next president of Nigeria.

Perhaps, the politician did not tell the monarch what he didn't know already but the manner of delivery was so impressively engaging that the Obi was bound to respond in complimentary fashion.

Responding, the chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers' Council, reminded his guest of his non-partisanship as the leader of all within his jurisdiction. Nonetheless, he assured Dr. Baba-Ahmed that the entire Southeast Traditional Rulers' Council have been meeting and marshalling out ways to not only ensure a peaceful election in the zone but also ensure that people come out en masse to exercise their democratic rights.

Reading from his telephone handset, the monarch disclosed a press release just sent to the press by the zonal body, where the need for a peaceful election, full participation, freedom to vote without intimidation or inducement and generally a credible election characterised by free, fair and transparent conduct were very expressively detailed. He added that all the traditional rulers in each community within the zone have been charged to use their good offices to ensure their respective communities are not infiltrated by bad elements that could derail the electoral process or encourage any iota of malpractice during the exercise. 

The vice presidential candidate, whose turn it was to listen, nodded his assent to the six-point communique. The monarch may not have directly endorsed Obi-Datti Presidency but all the efforts towards a free, fair and credible election resonated appropriately with the wishes of his Labour Party. 

His Royal Majesty, Igwe Achebe, in reading of the communique and the accompanying speech, showed that the Southeast Traditional Rulers are evidently very prepared to assist in achieving a credible transition. 

May the God of Nigeria guide such laudable intentions to actualisation.