By Chimaobi Nwaiwu
NNEWI — The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has faulted comments attributed to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on the presidential ambition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Mr Peter Obi, insisting that no individual, irrespective of political status or public office, has the authority to determine the political choices of Ndigbo.
Umahi had reportedly stated that he was not attacking Obi but urging people of the South-East not to vote for him in the forthcoming election.
Reacting in a statement by its Director-General, His Lordship Alpha Justice Ikpeama, UNIEC said decisions concerning the future of the Igbo people had never been the exclusive preserve of any individual.
The council stressed that the Igbo people are known for their republican philosophy, independent judgment and consultative tradition, adding that political choices remain the personal rights of every citizen.
UNIEC said: “As a non-partisan consultative, advisory and policy institution, UNIEC Worldwide does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate.
“Our responsibility is to uphold constitutional democracy, promote responsible leadership, safeguard the collective interest of Ndigbo and encourage peaceful civic participation.
“Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, every citizen has the fundamental right to freely choose the political party or candidate of his or her choice without coercion, intimidation, undue influence or external direction.”
The group cautioned political leaders, particularly public office holders, against making comments capable of creating tension or overheating the polity ahead of the electoral process.
It noted that no individual, regardless of position, possesses the constitutional, moral or traditional authority to direct the voting decisions of the South-East or the Igbo nation.
“The Igbo people have, throughout history, been recognised for their republican philosophy, independent judgment and consultative tradition. Decisions affecting the future of the people have never been the exclusive preserve of any individual, irrespective of public office or political status.
“As our elders wisely say, no single tree makes a forest, and no single voice speaks for an entire people,” UNIEC stated.
The council urged political leaders to demonstrate restraint, mutual respect and statesmanship in their public engagements, stressing that democratic competition should be based on ideas, performance, policies and service to the people.
It also called on residents of the South-East and Nigerians generally to remain peaceful, law-abiding and politically responsible throughout the electoral process.
UNIEC advised voters to assess candidates based on competence, integrity, vision, capacity, commitment to national unity, economic development, security, justice and constitutional governance.
The council further warned that personal political interests should not override the collective interest and democratic rights of citizens, urging leaders to respect the freedom of voters to make independent choices.
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