Ozigbo Condemns Renewed Wave Of Violence In Anambra

Sympathizes With Children of Dora and Chike Akunyili

Cautions Against Further Dehumanization of Igbos

PEOPLE’S Democratic Party governorship candidate in Anambra, Mr Valentine Ozigbo has condemned the spate of violence which has led to attacks and killings of people in different parts of the state in recent time.

The state has been under heavy violent attacks in the last one week, with targets mostly being those with links to politics both in the state and beyond.

The latest of the high profile killings in the state were that of Dr Chike Akunyili and Dr Lawrence Ezenwa.

Ozigbo in an Independence Day message expressed shock over the escalation of violence in the state.

Ezenwa, a medical doctor and PDP stalwart was from Abia State. According to Ozigbo, he was on a visit to his wife’s village, Ukpo in Nnewi South Local Council Area of Anambra State when he was killed together with his driver by gunmen.

Ozigbo said the chilling accounts of the violence and killings in the state is very disturbing and condemnable, and therefore called for a stop of such acts especially against innocent citizens.

He said, “Indeed, all of Ndi Anambra and my family are shaken by the unimaginable violence, which took the life of our illustrious son, Dr Chike Akunyili, the husband of our iconic daughter, the late Professor Dora Akunyili. We mourn his loss and send our deepest sympathies to his children whom I have sent my private condolence. May the Lord receive the soul of the departed and grant his loved ones the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.

“I also extend my condolences to the families of Dr Ezenwa and others who have met a violent end this week at the hands of gunmen on a rampage in Anambra. I believe that an injury to any one of us as Ndi Anambra is an injury to me. It ought to be the same for every person in a position of authority. This is a time for our leaders to stand up and demonstrate leadership we can believe in.”

Ozigbo also suspended his campaign activities and public appearances for the week to mourn the lives lost in the violence in the state.

He urged Nigerian government to take necessary steps to address the issue of growing insecurity in not just Anambra but entire Southeast.

“Every lawful step must be taken to address the growing incidences of insecurity in Anambra and the South East. Dialogue is a globally accepted approach to resolving agitations for self-determination. It is time that the Nigerian government opened the door for non-violent solutions to the crisis at hand.

“I call for the end of the dehumanization of my people, and any people for that matter. Everyone deserves to live in dignity and die with dignity.

“As Nigeria marks her 61st Independence anniversary, I wish to call for sober reflection and determined action by federal and state governments. Agitations across the country are a direct result of economic and social injustices that have gone on for way too long. We cannot run away from the dark history of our past; it trails us like a shadow. We must confront our story, ask the hard questions, and right the wrongs to move into a better future.”

He prayed for God to give the leaders courage to do what is right, and for peace to return in the country.