THE Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has urged Indigbo and indeed residents of the Southeast to come out en masse to cast their votes in next year’s general elections, saying low voter turnout could undermine the region’s political influence.
Achebe gave the charge on Friday, October 16, during this year’s Ofala Festival, held at Eze Chima Square in Onitsha, Anambra State, with the theme, ‘Oga n’Iru, Deliberate Progress,’ which underscores the importance of unity, responsibility and purposeful development.
At the foremost festival marking over 500 years of the Onitsha monarchy, Achebe urged Ndigbo to overcome the historical apathy towards elections, cautioning that they cannot complain about marginalisation while shying away from active participation in the electoral process.
The monarch said: “Still on the national elections, I call on the people of the Southeast states to shake off their historical apathy towards elections.
“We cannot stay away from elections and turn around to complain of marginalisation. In democracy, all votes count.
“Therefore, we must come out and vote for our candidates.”
He also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
Achebe expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, including hunger, unemployment, poor access to healthcare and insecurity, urging the President Bola Tinubu administration to prioritise the needs of poor and vulnerable Nigerians, and political parties and candidates to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns.
He also urged traditional rulers, religious institutions, town unions and civil society groups to promote voter participation and public awareness ahead of the elections.
He called on Onitsha people to draw on the resilience of their ancestors, preserve their cultural heritage and work towards the progress of their community.
After reviewing the work of the Onitsha Advancement Foundation, Achebe stressed the need to assess its achievements after five years and improve its programmes for the benefit of the community.
