The youths of Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State staged a peaceful protest on Friday, expressed their displeasure over irregularities confronting the forthcoming President-General election slated to hold on the 27th of December 2023.
Angel Network News reports that the protest which was led by Comrade Chibuike Okwaji, the Youth leader of Nimo community gathered huge crowd who were calling for a free, fair and credible election.
Some of the inscriptions at the placards held by the protesting youths reads:
“We reject night election completely, every financial member must vote on election day”
“Electoral committee chairman bought Owa land and cannot be fair”
“We want open balloting and we support option A4”.
“We say capital NO to impunities in Nimo. We say no more collection of ten thousand for registration of new NTDU members”.
“Registration of new members and clearance must continue till election date”. Amongst others
The angry youths took the protest to the office of the Sacretary General of Nimo Chief Patrick Egbekpalu who assured the youths that their complains will be looked into.
Nimo Youth Leader Comrade Chidike Okwaji while speaking at the residence of Chief H.N Anakwe said the reason for the protest is for them to express their grievances over certain conditions attached to the forthcoming election.
” We are clamouring for a peaceful free, fair and credible election, free from malpractices. It should not be like the previous once were voting lasted till mid night.
“We want to get it right this time and we will do everything in our powers in making sure that no form of intimidation will be allowed’ Okwaji submitted.
Chief Anakwe who is the chairman Nimo peace committee while responding, describe youths as leaders of tomorrow who should be listened to and allowed to air their views. He assured the youths that he will always stand by the truth urging them to be law abiding citizens and continue to fight for progress.
He maintained that truth will always prevail and that they should remain courageous for the right cause. Anakwe concluded by calling on the youths to shun greed and selfishness, assuring them that their complains will be looked into.
Engr. George Onyekwulu member of the peace committee while adding his voice said the majority of the vote will be from the youths, urging them to maintain calm stating that peace is important and vital as it is essential in every society.
Nimo National Youths Provost Mr. Chukwueme Ezeabuta, Nimo Chief Taskforce and director of socials Mr. James Uzochukwu, Youth Treasurer Mr. Chukwudi Egbuonu, Mr. Nwajiobi Tochukwu and Mr. Chukwudi Iloka in their separate interview with ANN called for a free, fair and credible election.
According to them, ten thousand registration fee of every citizen is not acceptable.
“Both rich and poor should be accomodated because we are all one. Everyone eligible to vote should be allowed to exercise their franchise. This is our stand.
“The electoral committee chairman is bias and will compromise. He is amongst those who bought land at Owa and as such, is not capable to hold such position. We reject him. We dont trust them because the election might be riged.
” We reject the registration and collection of ten thousand naira from new members. No one should be disqualified because of levis, everyone must pay their dues while alive or in death. Non payment shouldn’t be an issue nor precondition for voting.
” The zoning formula should be maintained as prescribed by Nimo constitution. The youths insist.
