Fides Media Living the Faith
By Raymond Ozoji
Comrade Kennedy Iyere, a social crusader, peace activist and convener of Civil Society Committee for Anambra Election Security (CISCAES), has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to desist from taking actions that could torpedo the gubernatorial ambition of the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, to avert trouble.
Iyere said Ozigbo had the administrative acumen, as well as the capabilities, to replicate his transformational leadership skills in Anambra to grow the economy and create jobs for the people, just as he did at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, and other places he had held leadership positions.
He however noted that Ozigbo would overcome the ongoing crisis in the PDP over his candidacy, because he believed that the judiciary knew the truth that Ozigbo was the authentic candidate of the PDP.
He said the primary conducted by the Chris Uba-led faction of the PDP did not have the backing of the National Working Committee of the PDP, which meant that it was an illegal exercise.
‘There is therefore no basis for its validation,’ he said, insisting that Ozigbo remained the only authentic candidate of the PDP for the coming election.
‘The eyes of the Nigerian Civil Society and International Community are on both the Judiciary and INEC, who are expected to stand for the truth by upholding the victory of Valentine Ozigbo, as the true winner and authentic candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming Anambra guber poll,’ Iyere said.
He warned that if the judiciary attempted to play a fast game on Ozigbo, it would be a colossal setback for democracy in Nigeria and could possibly trigger a widespread revolt by the civil society, which, he said, would be part of their efforts to save Nigeria’s democracy.
Noting that Ozigbo had what it took to make Anambra the envy of other regions of the world, Iyere explained that Ozigbo had built an enviable career for himself such that he performed superlatively in every sector he headed.
‘Ozigbo headed and face-lifted the Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (TRANSCORP PLC). He is someone who has the capacity to build bridges of peace across the South East and also one who can take South East to the North, South West and South South,’ Iyere said.
He blamed the PDP leadership for allowing Chris Uba to remain in the party, stating that the party leaders in PDP ought to have removed Uba long before the primary election, just the same way Adams Oshiomhole was removed by the APC leaders in Edo State.
Insisting that only Ozigbo could guarantee victory for the PDP in the forthcoming election, Iyere reminded the judiciary that if it destroyed the country through fake verdicts and compromised judgements, the consequences would affect them and their descendants.