Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has advised Ndi Igbo resident in the northern part of the country to stay in their locations during the elections, saying movement is only necessary if they are coming home vote.
Okorocha also enjoined the Igbo not to panic, assuring that the elections would be peaceful, free and fair.
Speaking in Abuja after a meeting between leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC, and its National Assembly candidates nationwide, the governor also dismissed insinuations that the party’s presidential candidate, General Mohammdu Buhari (retd), would pursue an Islamic agenda if elected.
According to him, the idea of Islamizing the country was propagated by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which he accused of dividing Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.
According to him, “it is uncalled for to return home. There is no need for it. The elections, as far as we are concerned, will be peaceful. Nigeria and Nigerians are only passing through a challenging period in their political history.
“That does not mean it will bring about crisis. I do not think so. Unless for Igbo who have registered at home. They should come home to vote. But those who registered in the north should stay there.
“Again, this is one of the things we have been complaining about. Since the advent of PDP, this nation has been polarized between Muslims and Christians.
“That is the most dangerous point PDP has introduced in the Nigerian politics. Before now, you do not even know where you come from or who is who. We were all one.
“But when PDP decided to go to churches and other religious houses, they polarized the polity. That is why the only thing they have to say about Buhari is that he will make the whole Christians become Muslims overnight.
“The General was once the Head of State with Idiagbon; very powerful then. With decree in their hands, they could not Islamize anybody. Is it now we have National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly they will do that? It is not possible.
“This is cheap politics by PDP and that is what is creating the tension. Nigerians love themselves and this campaign of hate introduced by PDP is also very worrisome.
“But what is before us now is more than the sentiments of tribe and religion.”
Okorocha also enjoined the Igbo not to panic, assuring that the elections would be peaceful, free and fair.
Speaking in Abuja after a meeting between leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC, and its National Assembly candidates nationwide, the governor also dismissed insinuations that the party’s presidential candidate, General Mohammdu Buhari (retd), would pursue an Islamic agenda if elected.
According to him, the idea of Islamizing the country was propagated by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which he accused of dividing Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.
According to him, “it is uncalled for to return home. There is no need for it. The elections, as far as we are concerned, will be peaceful. Nigeria and Nigerians are only passing through a challenging period in their political history.
“That does not mean it will bring about crisis. I do not think so. Unless for Igbo who have registered at home. They should come home to vote. But those who registered in the north should stay there.
“Again, this is one of the things we have been complaining about. Since the advent of PDP, this nation has been polarized between Muslims and Christians.
“That is the most dangerous point PDP has introduced in the Nigerian politics. Before now, you do not even know where you come from or who is who. We were all one.
“But when PDP decided to go to churches and other religious houses, they polarized the polity. That is why the only thing they have to say about Buhari is that he will make the whole Christians become Muslims overnight.
“The General was once the Head of State with Idiagbon; very powerful then. With decree in their hands, they could not Islamize anybody. Is it now we have National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly they will do that? It is not possible.
“This is cheap politics by PDP and that is what is creating the tension. Nigerians love themselves and this campaign of hate introduced by PDP is also very worrisome.
“But what is before us now is more than the sentiments of tribe and religion.”
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