HLPAI Urges Imo Council of Elders to be apolitical
From Marcel Duru Owerri
The Imo State Council of Elders has been implored to be neutral and provide a level- playing field for all candidates in the November 11 governorship election.
The Human Life Protection Advocacy Initiative HLPAI and its affiliate , Life In Imo Group, LIIG under the leadership of Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis (OluImo), has expressed displeasure on the recent romance of Imo State Council of Elders with one particular party , preaching the campaign strategy of a particular party.
He said that while appreciating the fundamental right of freedom of expression and choice as enshrined in the constitution of federal Republic of Nigeria 1999( as amended) , as it relates to their personal support for a Political party and its Candidate, we hasten to add that the council must remember that they are apolitical and all the Candidates contesting are their sons .
“While we are not holding brief for the Candidates , as genuine peace lovers , we feel that we have a place in history to speak out even if it doesn’t favour our interest”
Maduba further said that the group have strong respect for elder statesmen , but they strongly condemn the disposition , romance with only one political party as we see it is unpatriotic and unfair to the democratic process in the state .
” How can the Imo state council of elders that should take the leading in preaching peace and encourage civil relationship for effective solutions, now be playing partisan card just to satisfy their interest.”
He urge them to remain fairy minded, as well as impartial in their verdicts and disposition, as these will engender confidence in the polity , while also giving all contenders the needed sense of belonging .
Maduba concluded that the product of a level playing group , free and credible will enhance political harmony after the election.
