CHEKWAS OKORIE: KEEP IGBO LAND OUT OF WAR!
IAD chairman urges South-East governors to protect peace, political freedom and the 2027 electoral process
By NewsGlobal Political Desk
Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chairman of the Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD), has warned South-East governors against allowing the region to become a theatre of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement made available to journalists, Okorie expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency to pursue political power through conquest rather than the ballot box. His intervention underscores his longstanding commitment to the interests, dignity and democratic rights of Ndigbo.
Okorie recalled his open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 12, 2026, titled “Halt the Brewing Anarchy in Nigeria,” in which he raised concerns about actions by state and non-state actors that, in his assessment, could undermine law and order. He said the appeal had not produced the response he hoped for.
He also cited remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, who reportedly declared in Kano that Nigerians opposed to the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket should leave the country, claiming that Muslims owned Nigeria.
Okorie condemned the reported remarks as provocative and questioned the response of the Federal Government and security agencies. He warned that failure to address divisive rhetoric could encourage political intolerance and deepen tensions.
Turning to the South-East, the IAD chairman alleged that opposition political rallies had been attacked by heavily armed thugs, with injuries and deaths reportedly recorded. He also expressed concern over what he described as the absence of arrests in connection with the incidents.
These allegations require appropriate investigation by the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is confirmed.
Okorie further criticised what he described as exorbitant billboard charges, allegedly running into hundreds of millions of naira for a single board in the region. He argued that such costs could disadvantage opposition parties and raised concerns about the reported retaliatory removal of ruling-party billboards.
He called on Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, to convene an emergency meeting to address the security and political concerns before the 2027 elections.
Invoking the painful legacy of the Nigerian Civil War, which ended 56 years ago, Okorie warned against any development that could plunge Igboland into another period of widespread conflict.
Okorie deserves commendation for his forthright advocacy for peace, democratic participation and the interests of Ndigbo. His position reinforces the principle that political leaders must protect citizens’ rights and ensure that electoral competition remains peaceful and fair.
“Igbo votes for the 2027 elections can never be obtained by conquest. Ndigbo must remain vigilant and defend their franchise,” he declared.
His message is clear: political power must be won through the ballot, not intimidation, and the peace and future of Igboland must remain paramount.
NewsGlobal Reporters
NewsGlobal News Desk.
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