Estimated reading time: 7 minute(s)
Aminat Gusanu
The Igbo Patriotic Forum (IFP), a group that represents the interests of the Igbo people, has encouraged Nigerians to participate in the upcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections by voting for the candidates they believe in, just as they did in the last presidential election.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered this during a press conference in Abuja discussing the recently held presidential election, Chief Simon Okeke, who is the chairman of the forum, urged the public to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections.
Okeke, voiced his disappointment with the recently concluded presidential election. He expressed his frustration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for demanding a large budget to acquire Biometric Verification Machines (BVAS) to ensure a completely transparent election, yet the machines failed to function during a crucial period of the election.
He said, “Unfortunately, we have to wait for the courts to determine the actual winner of this election. Nevertheless, we still call upon the good people of this country, the youths and elders to remain calm and law abiding as this process goes ahead.
“In spite of this monumental fraud, we should not lose hope since we are on the road to seek justice in the courts. We pray that God will give our judiciary the courage to uphold justice and truth in deciding this case.
“We wish to call upon our people once again, to come out on Saturday March 18, and exercise their legitimate right to vote for their choice at the forthcoming gubernatorial and state houses assembly elections.”
The forum also praised President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring that everyone can vote in a secure and safe environment by providing security assurances.
It also urged the President to provide the Inspector General of Police and his team with the necessary financial and logistical assistance to promptly reopen all police stations in the South East region that have been closed for over three years now.
IPF added that this had led to the insecurity in the zone, compelling the people to obey senseless sit at home order out of sheer gear.
The forum expressed gratitude towards the leaders of the South and Middle Belt Forum for supporting their advocacy that the South East geopolitical zone should be given the opportunity to produce the next President of Nigeria in the spirit of justice, fairness, equity, and to strengthen the unity of the country.
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