Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, has rejected the recent
allocation of 7,000 additional polling units to the zone against the
21,000 units allocated to the North by the Independent National
Electoral Commission.
The leaders, expressed dissatisfaction with INEC during a meeting in
Umuahia on Sunday, described the allocation as "gross injustice
against Ndigbo".
The meeting had in attendance Governor Theodore Orji of Abia; his
Ebonyi State counterpart, Martin Elechi; Deputy Senate President, Ike
Ekweremadu; Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka; Health
Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and Minister of Labour and
Productivity, Emeka Wogu.
They called for the immediate review of the recent postings and
promotions of police officers by the Police Service Commission,
alleging marginalisation of Ndigbo in the exercise.
Addressing journalists after the emergency meeting which lasted for
about four hours at the Abia Government House, The PDP National
Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, called for the immediate
cancellation of the exercise by INEC, describing it as a prelude to
undermining the interest of the zone in the 2015 elections.
He said, "We reject entirely the alleged allocation of polling booths
by INEC. We view it as a great disservice to the unity and progress of
this country if only 7000 is allocated to the South-East while the
North gets 21,000. We demand that the issue be suspended forthwith. "
According to the leaders, the action of INEC "is completely against
the spirit of one Nigeria and progress of the country."
The leaders also called for the extension of the registration of
voters in the zone and other parts of the country to avoid
disenfranchising millions of eligible Nigerians in the 2015 polls.
On the recent promotion of some police officers, the South-East
leaders called on the Inspector General of Police, and the Police
Service Commission to revisit the exercise with a view to properly
accommodating the interest of the zone.
"We are worried by the postings and promotions of the police, and we
want it revisited. This country belongs to us all and the people of
the South-East deserve fair treatment. "
The leaders restated their continued support for President Goodluck
Jonathan, urging him to heed the call by Nigerians to seek re-election
in 2015.
Other dignitaries present at the meeting were representatives of Enugu
State Governor; PDP National Women Leader, Mrs. Kema Chikwe; all PDP
National officers from the South-East and all PDP chairmen in the
region.
PUNCH
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