The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Anambra State branch, has condemned the “vitriolic attacks” on Igbo leaders, especially against the morally grounded presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
CLO noted in a statement that Obi brought honour and glory to the Igbo nation as well as the Southeast, Nigerians and the Black nation. Recalling the quote from the Great Nnamdi Azikiwe, the CLO said: “We must make friends, not enemies; think the best, not the worst, of others.”
The CLO stated that casting unsubstantiated aspersions on opponents does not and cannot transform into electoral fortune.
“Power belongs to the people, and the people are listening and watching the unwise statements of our political leaders, made just to advance their personal, parochial interests to the detriment of the people,” the group said, adding: “A prophet may not be acceptable to the elite, but will certainly be acceptable to the masses.”
Responding to the issues raised on why Igbos are enemies to themselves, the Chairman of the CLO stated that the politicians are protecting their selfish and insensitive interests and thinking only about themselves, for themselves and with themselves.
According to the statement issued in Awka, tagged “Remember God Watches Us, We Must Give Account Of Our Stewardship”, and endorsed by Vincent Ezekwueme, Chairman and Chidi Mbah, Secretary, the group called on political leaders opposing power shift to the Southeast after nearly 28 years of the current dispensation, as the greatest enemies of the people.
“If it is not our turn, when will it be our turn?”
The CLO stated that people are now wiser, more sophisticated, and enlightened, and no amount of propaganda will make them mortgage their conscience and conviction.
“It is pertinent to note that among our political leaders, who is not collecting his gratuity and pension, rejected legitimate benefits accruing to him, and left a humongous amount while leaving office?
“By so doing, Obi has proved wrong the assertion of Louis Howe that “One cannot be active in politics and be honest and transparent. He remains an exemplary, exceptional and God-fearing servant leader,” the statement said.
According to the CLO, political leaders should have learnt from the 2023 general elections, where Obi had no councillor and was opposed by governors and some in the political class, yet was loved, cherished, respected and admired, as reflected in the outcome of the election.
“He who puts off another man’s light has incurred permanent darkness, and you cannot succeed by pulling others down. Hence the inevitable need to think twice and wisely.
“Future generations will not ask you which political party you belong to or whose interest you are protecting; rather, what did you do when the glaciers were melting,” the CLO stated. The statement recalled that the Civil Liberties Organisation played an indispensable role in the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation. As such, no effort should be spared for its protection, safeguard and defence.
“Let us live and let live and observe the golden rule, because power is transient,” the CLO added
