AnyiAnyi Cultural Association charges FG on free, fair election


As the presidential and gubernatorial election is in top gear, a non-profit organisation, AnyiAnyi Cultural Association, has charged the federal government to ensure free and fair elections.

The group noted this in a statement made available to the press through its National Executive Council in Enugu from Monday, February 13 to Tuesday, 14, to deliberate on the nation's state, especially the 2023 national elections.

While commending the government on its efforts for a credible outcome of the forthcoming election, the group hoped that the commitment would be sustained in the interest of "Our electoral democracy and to honour the collective will of the people". 

The group, however, urged the federal government to create an enabling environment for a free and fair election. 

"Freedom for political prisoners easily comes to mind, especially those whose cases have been adjudicated by the courts. This will go a long way to ensure peace in the southeast region of Nigeria," the statement read in part. 

The AnyiAnyi Cultural group appealed to security agencies to see their responsibilities as an opportunity for a new Nigeria, considering the nation's current state.

As noted in the statement, the group urged the Independent National Electoral Committee (INEC) to approach this assignment with renewed vigour.

It added, "INEC should ensure freedom for about 200 million Nigerians who have been victims of high-level politicking by the authorities of power and status quo. 

"We also appeal to the electorate to see this election as a battle between freedom and corruption."

The group also reminded the youths, "Who is waiting for instructions to unleash mayhem on innocent voters, that one who kills his brother will never be a warrior and one who betrays his brother will never be trusted by the man who sent him. The proceeds or monetary reward for instigating violence can destroy the beneficiary".

Nigerians should promote competence and relegate ethnicity with political affiliation using the 2023 elections in the interest of economic stability in the Country. This becomes achievable if Nigerians can emulate Ndigbo, who had never given a block vote to any of their own since the era of democracy in 1999, even when theirs constantly featured on the ballot; this they have continuously done for their belief in the best candidate.

Therefore, looking at the antecedents, manifesto, genealogy and personality of the candidates, it becomes clear who the best candidate is only if we are people of conscience, equity and fairness.

"We appeal to Christians and Muslims who stand by the truth to behold the Star, which could have risen from any direction.

"We discovered that while governors leave the office to enjoy their fat and unbelievable retirement benefits forever, this man ruled his State in this Country Nigeria, but refused even a dime from his State as pension till today."

"He is so passionate to see Nigeria rise again for no personal gain; he wants us to accept him, not because of his origin, but based on his competence, which is clear to all. If our national problems did not know religion, ethnicity or political differences, why trace the solution along the same lines?"

"The man has no structure, but the commoner immediately volunteered to be the structure. He has not assumed office yet but has changed the age-long practice of electoral democracy in Nigeria.

"And that man is Mr Peter Gregory Obi. He has the integrity, capacity and competence to lead Nigeria!"

As a sequel to this, the AnyiAnyi Cultural Group, therefore, called on Nigerians to hit the polling units en-masse to vote for Peter Obi/Datti Ahmed. This is the best opportunity for Nigeria to rise again.

"It is important to note; while other candidates rely so much on their structures and economy to wrestle power as usual, the movement we are witnessing is nothing but a divine mandate," the group emphasised.

This communique was signed by Barr. Anthony O. Okolo, National President; Nze Johnpaul Ezenwaka, National Vice President; Asomugha Johnpaul, Secretary General; and Mrs Nneka Chimezie, National Woman Leader.