A socio-political group, "Ochie Igbo" has said it wants the nation’s democracy preserved and not destroyed by self politicians as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2019 general elections.

It further charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political gladiators, supporters and electorate to be key players towards the success of the election and preservation of Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement signed in Abakaliki by its National President, Dr. Chuma Orji and Secretary, Mr. Theo Nwoba, the group said there was no alternative to democracy, rule of law and political emancipation of Nigerians in the country and diaspora.

It warned against bloodshed in the 2019 general election saying “no ambition should equate with the blood of any Nigerian”.

It explained that it has planned Dr. Chuba Okadigbo Public Lecture with the theme “Preserving Nigeria’s Democracy: The Place of Citizens Vigilance” after its general meeting in Enugu which looked at looked various developments in the polity.

“Delegates at the meeting observed the creeping despondence and apathy towards nation building caused by social upheavals, including hate speech, insecurity and other forms of divisiveness and arrived at the conclusion that public interaction is needed to advance positive narratives on the Nigeria project.

“Being a socio-cultural organisation comprising young Igbo professional both at home and the Diaspora, members of OCHIE Igbo recalled that it was in a similar period of socio-political tide and despair that late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo admonished Nigerians to free their minds and fly high to achieve their natural potentials.

“The decision to have this national discussion to coincide with Okadigbo post humus 77th birthday and 15 years of his demise amid agglomeration of social forces was therefore reached as a way of appropriating his sagacity, clairvoyant political postulations and defence of democratic ethos.

“The Oyi of Oyi considered the various existential structures of democratic governance and endorsed the Principles of Separation of Powers as the guarantee of the democratic state.

While he served Nigeria as the President of Senate, Okadigbo saw the legislature, nay the Senate Chambers as a kind laboratory for producing essential apothecary to preserve not only the democracy, but also the democratic process.

“We at OCHIE Igbo see a similarity in Nigeria’s present socio-political circumstances that warrant a revisit to the Okadigbo summations in the hope that citizens from North, South, East and West, and indeed, all parts of the country would reflect and see reasons to be the best they can to ensure that the labours of our heroes past are not negated.

“Most importantly, as political activities gain momentum, it is our belief that political gladiators, voters and vote managers rise up to the reality that there is no alternative to democracy and that no
ambition should equate with the blood of any Nigerian”, the statement submitted.

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