Anambra Election: Billionaire businessman caution against violence

By Kingsley Chukwuka

An Anambra stakeholder and businessman has advised the people of the State to shun thuggery and violence during the November 6 governorship election.

The Industrialist who hailed from Osumenyi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, said youths should not allow themselves to be used by politicians as thugs while their children are schooling abroad.

Towards ensuring a violence-free governorship election, the billionaire businessman, Amb. Nelson Mkparu said it beacons on him to pass message to the youths, politicians and other stakeholders that the November 6 elections should not be a do-or-die affairs.

Mkparu who spoke to our correspondent at the weekend in Jos, also laments that the process of electing leaders in Nigeria has been plagued by a myriad of problems, ranging from voter intimidation and suppression, to harassment and outright violence.

“My advise is to change the ugly trend, especially as Anambra prepares for the governorship election and bring a lasting peace in our political space.

“I urge our youths to prevent electoral violence by upholding democratic principles before, during and after elections, because there is a connection between violence-free election, peace and development”, he said.

Mkparu who owns a multi-billion naira Pipe Manufacturing Company in Jos, said youths engagement was critical to ensuring a violence-free election, adding that more youths stands the chance to benefit from his employment plan after the completion of a branch of his billion naira company’s site in Anambra.

“Peaceful and credible elections are essential for democracy and business to thrive”, he said.

To also help in dousing the tension in the southern region of the country, Mkparu appealed to President Mohammadu Buahri to hasten the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho who flee to Cotonou for safety.

He however lauded the Presidency for producing Nnamdi Kanu to court, saying the move has reassured the people of the Southeast that Kanu is alive and well.