Boma Achenimie 
Ahead of the November 11 Governorship election in Imo State, the Labour Party (LP) has called on the Governor of the State, Hope Uzodinma to allow for a season of campaigning without violence.
The party made the call in a statement issued by the Director-General of the campaign organization for the governorship candidate, Chime Nzeribe at a press conference held in Owerri, the state capital, during the flag-off of the governorship campaign in the state.
Speaking during the campaign flag-off, Nzeribe said the party is prepared to follow all the rules set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the party’s governorship candidate, Athan Achonu, was determined to win the election and the party will take advantage of the public’s strong support to do so.
Therefore, he urged the state governor and his appointees to permit the campaigns to be decided by matters impacting the state’s citizens and its economy.
Nzeribe said, “We in the Labour Party and Senator Athan Achonu’s campaign Organisation expect a violence-free, issue-based campaign. Our message which has been consistently pro-people will be transmitted to all nooks and crannies of the state.
“In keeping with our belief and our faith and trust in God Almighty, we will start our campaigns with prayer sessions in the various churches across Imo State.
“These prayer sessions would not only be for smooth and violence-free campaigns and elections but for the repose of the souls of the victims of violence in our dear state including civilians and security agents.
“We will also include in our prayer sessions the Labour Party Presidential Candidate Petition at the Election Petition Tribunal, for God to in His infinite mercies direct our judges to uphold justice and do what is right before our laws and God.
“We are very appreciative of the support of our people Imoliites for Senator Athan Achonu and the Labour Party. We solemnly promise our long-suffering and traumatised people that relief is on the way.
“Relief from this seemingly unending insecurity, fraudulent elections and the creeping economic meltdown and the decay of the basic infrastructure.”
