An All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain, Chief Onwuka Ukw, has advised the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop the 'no-election-in-Anambra State' threat and avoid plunging the state into chaos.

Ukwa, who claimed to be one of the foundation members of APGA, made the call at a stakeholders’ forum organised by Ogilisi Foundation, a socio-cultural organisation, in Oba, near Onitsha, on Friday.

IPOB, the group agitating for independence of Biafra, had threatened that it would ensure that the November 18 governorship election in the state did not hold.

Ukwa said that such threat was “expensive” and could deny the people of the state democracy, which other states were enjoying and return it to the dark days of military administration.

He cautioned that such situation must be avoided and urged the pro-Biafra group to allow the election to progress unhindered.

According to him, the ugly experience of last census in 2006 was still being suffered by the people of the Southeast when there was such a call by the Movement for the Actulisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

“We should preach against anything that will stop election holding in Anambra on November 18.

“We should not allow the Federal Government to impose a military administrator on Anambra when other states in the country are enjoying democratically-elected government.

“I know we are annoyed about the happenings in Igboland, but I beg you to allow the election in Anambra as well as work together for a better region.

“If there is no election in Anambra, who is at a loss – the Igbo or Yoruba or Hausa? We should be wise,” he admonished.

Ukwa urged APGA to make itself more formidable and become more entrenched by winning more states in the Southeast and other parts of the country to enhance the political participation of the Igbo in Nigeria’s democracy.

“APGA should win the five eastern states; that is practical Biafra. APGA is the only party that will make Igbo’s voice to be heard in Nigeria. Support and embrace it.”

The founder of the organisation, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka said that there was need for elders to guide the youth constructively and ensure that they did not derail or jeopardise their future.

Ezeonwuka, who is also the ‘spiritual leader’ of APGA, said Ogilisi Foundation would continue to provide the platform to discuss issues of common interest with a view to proffering a win-win solution.

He solicited support for APGA in the gubernatorial poll.

“We must join hands to bring Igboland back to life through APGA.

“APGA is our own, we shall hold firmly to it. This is our negotiation power in Nigeria’s democracy.” (NAN)

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