Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Less than 24 hours to the opening of polls in tomorrow’s governorship and house of assembly elections, Abians in the Diaspora, have strongly urged Abia voters not to sell their votes for any financial inducement.
They also cautioned those behind the alleged plots to instigate violence during the polls to perish the thought as they would not be able to shoulder the consequences of such unpatriotic acts.
They bared their minds in a statement jointly signed by Professors Chukwubuikem Anosike (US), and Udenwa Nnabuikem (UK), and said that they had already deployed their monitoring team across the state for on-the-spot report of developments at various polling units.
They expressed worry over the weight of allegations and counter allegations from various political parties on alleged plot to scuttle the election, but warned all the gladiators to take note of the implications of their actions.
According to the statement, Abians in the Diaspora would not take it lightly with any person or group that constitutes oneself as a clog in the wheel of progress of the state and its peaceful transition to another democratic government.
The statement urged voters to come out en masse without fear of molestation or intimidation to exercise their franchise on Saturday.
It also urged voters to vote for candidates of their choice without coercion.
The statement read in part: “All the candidates contesting in this election have had their time to present their manifestos and canvass for votes.
“Tomorrow, they should allow Abians to decide who will lead them. Abians in the Diaspora will resist any attempt to intimidate people into voting by coercion the wrong candidates.
“We are not interested in political parties but concerned about the birth of a new Abia. Therefore, nobody should attempt to subvert the will of the people for whatever reason.”
The statement also urged security agencies not to take for granted rumours of importation of thugs into the state for the purpose of rigging.
“There should be thorough investigation of the allegations and anybody no matter how lowly or highly connected but found to be engaging in any activity capable of plunging the state into chaos.
They also told voters in the state not to be cowed by the various propaganda flying around but come to demonstrate their love for Abia by participating in the process of choosing their leaders.
