“Boycotting the election would not be in the best interest of the Igbo people” - (ASATU)

Daily Trust reports that the group in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 9 said boycotting the election would not be in the best interest of the Igbo people whom they claimed they were fighting for.

The Anambra state Association of Town Unions (ASATU) has compared the call by the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) to boycott the Anambra election as a shot to one’s own leg.

The group noted that people should be allowed to freely vote for their leader who would in turn collaborate with governors from the south east to do what the people want. "In this case, ASATU considers the call for boycott of the governorship election as, not only unfortunate and misinformed, but certainly a call for a shot in one’s own foot, a call for a goal in one’s own net and accordingly, a call to be seen as counterproductive and a dance to the gallery.”

ASATU applauded IPOB for pointing out the marginalisation of the Igbos to public notice but said boycotting the Anambra election was not the best move. "While the championing of the Igbo course is appropriate, it is imperative that all arguments and agitations are made within the ambits of the law. “We wish to express confidence in the IPOB Leadership to see things in their true perspectives in line with an Igbo adage that says that a man whose is on fire does not chase rats.

"Anambra state is of great importance to Ndigbo, as other states in the Southeast and, it is of the utmost importance that Igbo Stakeholders, especially the politician, do Ndigbo some good by refraining from inclinations that are targeted at distorting the facts of the peace, good order, security of life and property and signs of wellbeing across the state."

Meanwhile, Governor Willie Obiano apologised to IPOB over the killing of its members at Nkpor in Anambra state on May 30, 2016. Vanguard reports that the Anambra state governor spoke on Wednesday, August 9 when he received the members of Biafran War Veterans led by Gen.

Joe Achuzie (Air raid) at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia. He expressed sadness over the killing of the IPOB members denying that he was responsible for their death.