TheCable

The Federal Social Democrats (FSD), a civil society organisation (CSO), has asked the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to call off its threat to lock down the south-east region.

IPOB had announced that it would enforce a lockdown in the south-east from November 5 to November 10, if Nnamdi Kanu, its leader, is not released by November 4.

In a statement on Monday by Gbayode Somuyiwa, its spokesman, the FSD said it considers it necessary to lend its voice to the uncertainties surrounding the forthcoming governorship election.

“The FSD believes in the sanctity of the human life and the right of every eligible voter to freely exercise his franchise in a free atmosphere devoid of any threat, intimidation, or fear,” the statement reads.

“We urge IPOB to allow the election to hold and call off its threat to lock down the entire southeast region and allow the judicial process to determine the fate of their leader.

“Lockdown is counterproductive, and it is not in the interest of the people of the state. Instigating violence to stop the election will hurt the ordinary people more and those engaged in this act should be wary of playing into the hands of anti-democratic forces who have hinted at imposing emergency rule in the State.”

The organisation also criticised the federal government over what it described as the “planned militarisation” of Anambra state ahead of the November 6 governorship election, and urged security agencies to ensure that they remain neutral during the exercise.

“The state of anxiety has also been heightened by the Federal Government with the planned militarisation of Anambra state, ahead of the election. What will be the effect of this massive presence of security forces on the psyche of the ordinary voter in Anambra State? Would their presence elicit confidence to come out and exercise their franchise or would it instill fear in them and prevent them from coming out to vote?” the statement reads.

“FSD hereby calls on the federal government to caution its security agencies against brutalisation of the people and for the law enforcement agencies deployed to the state to maintain neutrality and strict professionalism throughout the election process.

“INEC cannot afford to be sloppy with its arrangements and logistics. Situation where electoral materials do not arrive on time at polling stations or where polling stations cannot be located must be avoided.”