The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Tuesday warned the Nigeria Army and security agents to be neural in Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.
Ohanaeze issued the warning while condemning the conduct of the military personnel and other security operatives during the just concluded presidential election.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the body, Chuks Ibegbu, in a statement made available to DAILY POST, said the conduct of the Nigerian Army during the Presidential poll was “dismal especially in states like Rivers, Bayela, Imo, Akwa Ibom , Cross River , Abia etc.”
The statement reads: “In other lands, the Army and Security agents help to build a virile society but it appears we have an occupation Army here.
“We warn them not to aid and abet rigging or harassment of voters. INEC officials must also be neutral, unless we have free and fair election, the society will not make any progress.”
On the Presidential election result, Ohanaeze said it would “soon meet to x-ray” the outcome of the poll.
The body urged Nigerians and the people of the South East to come out en-masse and vote for candidates of their choice.
“Nobody has right to make comment on that until such meeting is held. WE warn those claiming to be speaking on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on such issue to desist from so doing in their own interest.
“On the Saturday polls we call on Ndigbo and Nigerians to go out and vote enmasse for candidates of their choice and only those that will protect their interest at home and wherever they stay.
“We remain convinced that only those ready to Restructure Nigeria would protect our interest.
“Votes in the Saturday election must count,” the statement added.