…we urge IPOB not to do anything that would hinder or be seen to be hindering the smooth running of the forthcoming Governorship Election in Anambra State and to cancel all scheduled sit-at-home orders, as these have already caused untold hardship for our people.

JOINT STATEMENT BY CANDIDATES FOR THE ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION HOLDING ON NOVEMBER 06, 2021

This joint statement is issued this 1st day of November 2021 by the undersigned candidates for the 2021 Anambra State Governorship Election.

WHEREAS

In response to the very grave concerns expressed, and appeal made, by The South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Bishops and Archbishops, and in appreciation of the general anxiety arising from recent and continuing violence in the South East geo- political zone of Nigeria and Anambra State in particular, we the undersigned candidates in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State commit to peaceful and violence-free conduct in the run-up to, during and after the election.

BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: THAT

1. We the candidates in the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election commit unequivocally to non-violence and the maintenance of peace throughout the duration of the election and beyond.

2. We urge all our supporters and other stakeholders to commit fully to these ideals and refrain from any act that may imperil the election.

3. In order to eschew all acts that may torpedo the forthcoming election, we urge the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops.

4. We urge the Federal Government to take urgent steps to demilitarize the South East Zone and stem the heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and our youths.

5. We assure our youths that we have heard your cries and that we feel your pain. We urge our youths to eschew violence and commit afresh to peace.

6. Consistent with the above, we urge IPOB not to do anything that would hinder or be seen to be hindering the smooth running of the forthcoming Governorship Election in Anambra State and to cancel all scheduled sit-at-home orders, as these have already caused untold hardship for our people.

7. We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Armed Forces, other security agencies and all stakeholders to discharge their mandates in accordance with law and in a fair and just manner.

SIGNED:

Godwin Maduka
A

Ben Etiaba
AA

Akachukwu Nwankpo
ADC

Andy Uba
APC

Charles Soludo
APGA

Onyejegbu Okwudili
APM

Valentine Ozigbo
PDP

Obinna Uzoh
SDP

Ifeanyi Ubah
YPP

Obiora Okonkwo
ZLP