By Cajetan Mmuta
The fate of the embattled leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) took a reverberating echo at the scheduled Governorship primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Awka the Anambra state capital as the National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu on Wednesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to dialogue with the IPOB leader, Sunday Igbogho of the Oduduwa Nation and others in their secession agitations.

This is a popular businessman Nze Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo has emerged as the sole candidate of the ADC at the party’s Governorship primary held at the professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka the Anambra state capital.

Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo emerged as the sole candidate of the ADC through the pronouncement by High Chief Anayo Arinze that a total 7, 361 delegates endorsed his nomination and candidature to fly the party’s flag for the November 6 governorahip election in the state.

Chief Nwosu noted that dialogue with the groups would enthrone peace, togetherness, and progress across the country.

He said “Leaders do not shy away from significant matters that affect the health and welfare of the state and people. Therefore, I advise President Muhammadu Buhari to regard this development as a significant milestone in nation and peacebuilding in a diverse country like ours.”

“The government must not fail to show valued act of statecraft that posits Nigeria as a disciplined and responsible democratic nation. There are established international processes and protocols for dealing with matters. In all, the citizens’ rights and privileges must be accorded Nnamdi Kanu. Ndigbo, Nigeria, and the world are watching,” he declared.

He pointed out that “the adverse performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari government in dealing with our diversity as a country has created a deluge of challenges for all.”

“The military, police, state securities, and intelligence organs are overstretched, depressed, and demoralized because of the failings of our political leaders. The President, Governors, and legislators are all in the same rotten tomato basket.”

“The symptoms are the insecurity, poverty, unemployment, youth restiveness, and ethnic militia and agitations rocking the country,” he added.

He warned that “Our country has become almost irrelevant in international circuit and even to ourselves. Many concerned leaders have been calling for National conversation. Nnamdi Kanu is now in the country. Igboho and others are around. I, therefore, call on President Bihari to seize this moment and call for National dialogue for the sake of our country, now and generations to come.”

He said the party in Anambra state would lay the foundation for quality democratic governance again, stressing the concept of four plus four systems as enshrined in government by governors of various states “is anathema in a constitutional process.”

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The party’s National Chairman insisted that “Only good governance guarantees a return for an incumbent” and that, “the people must decide because “that is democracy”.

According to him, “The incumbent-successor derangement and demagogue in Anambra state was first orchestrated by ex-Governor Peter Obi. The same Governor Peter Obi started the local government councils’ power usurpation and brigandage and abuses associated with local governments funds which have incapacitated the grassroots administration in the state.”

“These trends have become the practice of APGA government. We must stop this to give Anambra a new lease of life,” he said.

He called on the party members, Ndigbo, Nigerians, and the party supporters to go and fulfill their Civic obligations by registering to vote as INEC has opened the registration window.”
The party’s National leadership cautioned that “Democratic vitality revolves around citizens participation, electoral managers credibility, discipline, and transparency.”
In his acceptance speech, ADC candidate Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo said security and protection of every citizen and resident of Anambra as well as inclusiveness in government would be his priority.

He said, “This is my little promise to you today; my promise is that Anambra people will enjoy a cordial relationship with their governor, nobody will come to Anambra state, kill somebody and get away with it. Security in Anambra will be absolute when I become Governor. I assure you that in the coming days we will move to the streets and stop the madness going on here. I will make sure that the wealthy Anambra people all over the world will relocate their wealth and investments to our state.”