NSUKKA PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION (NPA) MET WITH THE PRESS OVER THE ALARMING RATE OF VIOLENCE AND WIDESPREAD OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES.

The Nsukka, Professional Association (NPA), a non partisan and a very important stakeholder in Enugu State met with the Media in Lagos State where they call the attention to some developments in Enugu State that if left unattended to might plunge the state into a needless orgy of violence and lawlessness in the build up to the Gubernatorial and the state Assembly elections.
Some of these disturbing developments are:

The Unresolved high profile alleged assassination like the brutal assassination of the Labour party candidate for Enugu East senatorial district in the days preceding the February 25th, 2923 elections by individuals who are yet to be apprehended.The IGP is implored to dispatch special team of detectives to Enugu state with a mandate to seek out and apprehend all those directly and indirectly involved with this heinous crime irrespective of who they are or their connection..
The NPA have announced the donation of one million naira to the family if the assassinated politician.

There is credible reports of plans by desperate politicians in Enugu state to compromised key officials of INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Army and other security agencies in Enugu state with a view to frustrate the conduct of a free , fair and credible elections

There are credible reports about plans by one political party to disrupt elections in part of Enugu state which are considered as the strongholds of other political parties, notably is the Isi Uzo local government area and the six local government areas that make up Enugu North Senatorial zone and consequently disenfranchise voters in these areas..

There are also reports that some politicians have plans to import armed thugs and cultists into Enugu North senatorial zone,who will disguised in police uniforms and Army Uniforms so as to terrorize and cause mayhem.

There is also reports of plans to hack the BVAS and IREV by professional hackers contracted by one of the political parties.

The expediency to raising this disturbing alarm from the information mentioned above cannot be downplayed and therefore call the attention of the President, Mohammed Buhari, The IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, the Chief of Staff, Gen.Lucky Irabor, the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, the international community and good Nigerians in ensuring that these dangers are averted and the good people of Enugu state enjoy real democracy.

In the light of the aforementioned, we considered it as a matter of urgency to call on the security agencies and INEC to pay special attention to Enugu state and ensure quick action is taken with a view to ascertaining the authenticity of the information and if true, to arrest and prosecute all those that are involved.
Call is also made to INEC to strengthen its election administrative machinery in Enugu state ahead of the March, 18th Governorship/State Assembly elections as well as the bye-election for the senatorial seat of Enugu East.

The association further appeal to parents and guardians in Enugu state to restrain their wards from allowing them to be used by politicians for thuggery and violent conducts before and during the election.
The good people of Enugu state were also appealed to come out en-mass to vote for the candidate of their choice and should trust the security agencies and Federal Government of the promised security.
Appeals was also made to the politicians and supporters to place the interest of the people of Enugu state Paramount and approach the elections as a contest among the same family of Enugu state and recognize that there will always be winners and losers. The loser will always have a chance to contest again after four(4) years and perhaps might win thereafter.

The media/press are expected to be present at Enugu North senatorial zone to cover the forthcoming election and affirm that the NPA has promise to provide all necessary support for them to be on ground.


Kingsley Efionayi