The Anambra State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo has expressed optimism that the November 18, 2017 governorship election in the state will be credible and hitch-free, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to live up to its expectation as the umpire.

At a church service to mark Nigeria 57th Independence celebration, the state President of the organisation, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogenesaid the electoral umpire would be held responsible for any flaws in the poll saying, “INEC must live up to expectation in making sure that the election is credible, one man one vote."

He said Anambra State and the entire South Eastwould hold INEC responsiblefor any problem with the election. "We don't want falsification of results, we cannot tolerate it," he warned.

Okeke-Ogenesaid residents of Anambra State are peaceful and would want the election to hold as scheduled.

On the recent proscription of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),Okeke-Ogene blamed both the Federal Government and the IPOB on their approach in handling the matter.

“The Federal Government may not be completely right in what they did, the same with the IPOB. They set a rat trap for the IPOB and they jumped into it.”

The Ohanaeze state President said that what IPOB was demanding for is right, but the approach might not be appropriate.

He however called for caution and patience in their approach, expressing optimism that the restructuring agitation would become a reality one day.