The Independent Media Support Organization (IMSO - Obiano 2017) has called on Anambra people “to address the nefarious activities of certain undesirable elements who parade themselves on social media as mouth piece of political office seekers publishing libellous and treasonable articles, provoking disunity, blackmails and direct attacks on senior citizens, public office holders and government.”

IMSO, which is supporting Governor Willie Obiano for re-election during the November 17, 2017 ballot, made the request in a statement issued on Friday in Awka, the state capital.

According to IMSO in the statement signed by the Executive Director, Ogbuefi Comr Harris Chuma (Ogene Igbo), “These unrepentant social media renegades and self acclaimed mouth piece of opposition’s gubernatorial aspirants in the forthcoming elections in the state have been identified. Routinely, they have remained undauntedly shunning out false representation of facts, and dishing out capricious propaganda towards undermining the peace and security Anambra is currently enjoying under the able leadership of His Excellency Governor Willie Obiano. They have stubbornly continued to fan ambers of hatred, discord and animosity.

“Nowadays, the prevalent hate speeches and violent laden write ups in their social media handles should be put in check less it throws the state into anarchous situation. Surrendious lies and deceits have been their preoccupation targeted at inducing the gullible into chanting songs of war where there is none. We make bold to mention that we have identified and will at appropriate season publish the names of persons, organisations, blogs, Facebook accounts, and websites of these social media unsavoury characters.”

IMSO called on “the discerning people of Anambra to beware of people, groups and organisations you patronise on social media.”

The group further admonished Anambra people: “Do not be deceived or led astray by these merchants of false hood. Do not believe their ill-conceived stories without verifications; seek for the undiluted truth of any events from the official media sources of the government.

“Do not encourage disgruntled elements who are working relentlessly to distort the image of our able governor. Do not assist the social media renegades in magnifying and amplifying negative stories written on our dear state.

“Do not forget, Anambra is our pride and should be guided jealousy and promoted in good light. Do not clap for these enemies of the state who are desperate to discredit the great achievements of the government of the day, and earn pittance from their sponsors.

“As we patiently await electioneering period in few months time, let us remember that we owe ourselves the duty to shun violence, and any act capable of throwing our dear state into anarchy. We shall elect to play by the rules, and engage in civility, constructive campaigns based on issues not mudslinging, bigotry and blackmails.

“We must ensure that the electorates enjoy right to make their choice without molestation, intimidation, and harassment. Election is no longer a do or die affair in Nigeria (many thanks to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan), it is now old fashioned to instigate violence just to mar the process. Let us congregate in the parlour of brotherhood and defame political brigandage, and chicanery.

“It is about time stakeholders and leaders of thought work together irrespective of party affiliations to arrest the spate of unholy creed bedeviling Anambra cyber space, more as it affects the image of Ndi Anambra in general. May we not easily forget that there is no hiding place for anyone who deploys social media for libellous and treasonable articles against the state.

“Time to get it right and play strictly based on the established rules of engagement is now.”

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