The Elders Council of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed delight at the absence of kidnapping or attacks by unknown gunmen during Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly polls in the South East.
Chairman of the Council, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu noted that the peace which trailed the polls is indicative of the fact that those who are responsible for the mayhem in Igboland heeded to the counsel of the organization to allow the participation of Igbos in the country’s elections.
Iwuanyanwu, in a statement dated February 27, 2023, reiterated the promise of the organization to hold a peace summit as soon as the polls were over.
He commended Igbos in the South East, Rivers and Delta states and other parts of the country for trooping out en masse to exercise their franchise during the polls.
His statement reads; I wish on behalf of Council of Elders of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide to express our thanks and appreciation to Igbos in Southeast, Rivers State, Delta State and other parts of Nigeria for coming out in large numbers to exercise their civic responsibility during the presidential election held on 25th February 2023.
“We are glad to observe that throughout the election, there was no kidnapping incident or attacks by unknown gun men on innocent citizens in Southeast and other parts of Igboland.
“By this action, I am convinced that all those concerned have faithfully and loyally heeded to the request and appeal of Ohaneze Council of Elders Worldwide for peace in order to ensure full and uninterrupted participation of all Igbos in Nigeria election.
“You will recollect that at a meeting of Council of Elders, held before the election, the Elders agreed that peaceful resolution of the problem of insecurity in Igboland should be adopted.
“As soon as the election is over, we shall have a Peace Summit which we sincerely believe will pave way for peace and development of Igboland and Nigeria.
“Meanwhile, we look forward to a very successful 2023 elections where people’s vote will count”.
