Umeh Blasts Electoral Violence

By Jude Atupulazi

The Labour Party, LP, Senator-Elect for Anambra Central, Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, has condemned the use of thugs in the last round of elections and says it is not acceptable in any society.

Umeh stated this in company of the LP member-elect for House of Representatives for Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof Lilian Oby Orogbu, when they paid a visit to the candidate of the Party for Awka South II Constituency, Hon.

Joseph Chukwujekwu Okeke, who was attacked by suspected political thugs during the state assembly elections of March 18.

Senator Umeh, while sympathizing with Hon Okeke, described his ordeal as barbaric, undemocratic and unacceptable, stressing that the use of thugs in the conduct of elections undermined the effort to rid society of crimes and insecurity.

He called on security operatives to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book and for INEC to review places where elections were marred by violence.

He urged Hon Okeke not to be discouraged by his predicament but to continue in the struggle to build a better society, noting that once there was life, greater fortunes lay ahead.