The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ebonyi has expressed worry over the tragic motor accidents which have reportedly inundated the lives of the supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC since the statewide Local Government campaign was kicked off at Iboko, the headquarters of Izzi Council Area of the State.
This was contained in a press release issued and made available to journalists in Abakaliki by the Deputy Director, Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Organisation (Anyi G'Emeya), Moses Idika on Saturday.
The release tagged the "Blood-Soaked APC Campaigns in Ebonyi State: Let's Make Hay While the Sun Shines," observed that, "there is something strange about the ongoing governorship campaigns in Ebonyi State ahead of the March 11, 2023 election where a new governor will be elected."
The release further stated that the "three major political parties, namely the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have already hit the roads on the trail.
"While Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the standard bearer of the PDP and Prof. Benard Ifeanyichukwu Odoh of the APGA are addressing the people about the issues of concern and how they intend to tackle them, Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the candidate of the APC has hit the road with an attitude and demeanour of “war” and “fight.”
"The APC candidate is basing his candidacy on the amorphous and unfounded “emi lokan” theory as being propounded by Bola Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate. This attitude of the Ebonyi APC governorship candidate has led to a ramrod belief that his victory in March is “sacrosanct,” whatever that means!
"This idea of “sacrosanct” victory for Mr Nwifuru has led to recklessness on the part of both the candidate and his now rabid supporters.
"This recklessness has led to constant blood flows with its attendant sorrow and deaths as now witnessed each time the APC candidate goes for a campaign rally.
"For example, during the campaign outings of the APC in Ivo and Ikwo local government areas, several persons died due to flagrant disregard for basic road conduct and respect for other road users.
"On the day the APC candidate flagged off his campaign on his home soil of Izzi, five people lost their lives when their vehicle which was driven by a man obviously under the influence of banned substances rammed them into another vehicle.
"As if the Izzi tragedy was not enough, earlier today, about 10 people brutally lost their lives as they rushed to form a crowd at Isu, the headquarters of Onicha LGA.
"It is instructive to reiterate the former wise counsel of Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Jonathan who in 2015 admonished that the ambition of any politician was not worth and can never worth the life or blood of any Nigerian. It is very sad that the blood and lives of Ebonyians now constitute the pawn on the chessboard of the APC hungry power mongers in Ebonyi State.
"These unwarranted, unnecessary and unfortunate deaths are caused by the blind and miscalculated braggadocio to show strength by the APC and deceive the APC top echelon that their party is popular in Ebonyi State.
"Unfortunately, it is unsuspecting, hungry and hapless Ebonyians usually hired from far-flung local government areas to people their rally in a deceptive show of acceptance by Ndi Ebonyi that are now the victims and sacrificial lambs for this blind quest for power.
"We call on Ebonyians to read between the lines and realize that only the living can enjoy election victory. It is immoral and reprehensible that these powermongers hide their kits and kins while using the children of the poor for their evil bloody games in the name of politics.
"Only God gives power, He makes kings, and He does so without the consultation of any mortal. There is no such thing as “sacrosanct” in the electioneering process where the people and the people alone will determine those who would govern them.
"Ebonyians must be wary of any and every attempt by indecorous individuals to use their blood to water the ignoble, indiscreet and abhorrent desire to perpetuate themselves in office. It is important to stress that henceforth only the people can determine who sits over their affairs as government.
"May God help Ebonyi people to take the right decision now."
