Good day, Gentlemen of the Press.
November 11 is days away and I am here to address you all on some very important developments.
- Few days ago, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress @Comrade Joe Ajaero was attacked and Brutalized in the most inhuman form right here in Imo State. He was here to lead a peaceful protest over unpaid wages due to Imo State workers. He was beaten to a stupor and allegedly abducted by security personnel. It is unimaginable that the leader of the Nigerian workers could be treated so.
This is totally unacceptable and indeed very condemnable. Imolites are not known for this low level of intolerance and recklessness, hence every true citizen of Imo State especially workers, must condemn this act.
Globally, the labour movement has been in solid solidarity with workers whose many contributions to society are often undermined by governments who refuse to fulfill their obligations to workers. No doubt, decent work is not just about the right to gainful employment but also about the right to earn decent wages, freedom of choice, and equal opportunities.
I vehemently condemn the attack on the President of the NLC. This is an attack on the nation, Nigerian workers, and indeed the Nigerian families and democracy.
Never Again Should This Happen In Imo Soil. Not while I am Governor.
- INEC should ensure they provide adequate security in all polling units and Collation Centres in Imo State so that no eligible voter is disenfranchised.
- It is no longer secret that there are reports (allegations) of APC perfecting plans to influence INEC Polling Officers and Ad Hoc Staff. We officially put INEC on notice that the APC is planning heavily to Influence the outcome of the election through compromised ad hoc staff and a few corrupt officials.
- In the last two weeks, video shreds of evidence in circulation show that communities (Owerri West, Oguta, Okigwe, Ihitte Uboma, etc.) where APC leaders are harvesting details of Voter Cards. This is criminal and an attempt to subvert the will of the people. I call on INEC and security agents to be alert and checkmate these efforts at rigging the election and ensure that sensitive materials do not get into the wrong hands.
- It is important to restate that all collation should be done at the OFFICIAL DESIGNATED CENTRES. NOT LG Council headquarters. Specifically, Isiala Mbano’s INEC office was burnt down. So INEC should PUBLICLY announce a public primary school as a collation center for Isiala Mbano. This should also be the case in every other location with similar challenges.
- We will use all lawful means to resist any plan to collate results in any place other than officially designated locations at the ward level and at the local government level.
- We call on INEC to, as a matter of urgency, publish the polling centers where elections will not be held. This should be in the public knowledge.
- I condemn reported efforts by the government of Imo State to block accommodation in all hotels in Owerri. I call on all hotels to resist this anti-democratic, anti-people move. The government does not have any right to forcefully occupy any hotel.
- I call on security agents to maintain order on Election Day and to be impartial.
- FINALLY, NDI IMO, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT. Let’s ensure that we come out to vote massively. I will protect your votes.
Sen. Athan Achonu
Lp, Gubernatorial Candidate.