Biafra Independence Movement leader Uwazuruike says anyone calling for Anambra poll boycott is anti-Igbo

BIAFRA Independence Movement (Bim) leader Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has responded to recent calls for the boycotting of the Anambra State gubernatorial election on November 18 described anyone backing such demands as anti-Igbo.

In November, Anambrans will go to the polls to elect a new governor and over recent weeks, there have been calls led by Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) leader Nnamdi Kanu that the election should be boycotted. Numerous Igbo leaders have distanced themselves from this, saying elections are vital for the growth of democracy.

Chief Nnia Nwodo , the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, for instance has urged the Igbos to take the ongoing voters registration exercise very serious, deploring the current attitude of some people to the exercise. He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the authorities to ensure that nothing hampers or poses an impediment to the exercise as is being reported in some places.

Adding his voice to the debate, Chief Uwazuruike stated that any attempt to disrupt the Anambra governorship election would retard development in the state. He added that Bim has embarked on a sensitisation campaign across the 21 council areas of Anambra State to urge the electorate not to be deceived by the antics of those who do not mean well for Biafra.

Okporie Nkama, the Bim leader in Abia South zone, said his members, who are registered voters in Anambra State, have been directed to come out en masse and vote a candidate of their choice, to ensure continuation of democratic governance in the state. He disclosed that Bim had concluded plans to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the existence of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra  on September 13, in Anambra State and would engage in more sensitive campaigns to the electorate.

Mr Nkama added: "Bim is not in support of any individual or group calling for the boycott of Anambra governorship poll on November 18. When you boycott the election, you are selling your right and giving a chance to those who don’t want of Biafra to take over.

“Anambra election cannot affect the actualisation of Biafra and anyone calling for boycott is anti-Igbo. We have embarked on sensitisation visits to the 21 local government areas of Anambra State to urge people not to allow themselves to be deceived."

According to Mr Nkama, there will be anarchy in Anambra if the election does not hold. He added that as an organisation that practises non-violence, Bim warns Ndi Anambra to ensure that they turn out en masse to support their choice candidates during the election.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo for its part has said that a high-powered committee to monitor the voter registration exercise has been set up. According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nigeria can never move forward unless it is restructured and built on equity, justice and fairness.