‘Latest violence in Anambra disturbing’ — PDP guber candidate suspends campaign

Valentine Ozigbo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, has announced the suspension of his campaign.

The Anambra governorship election is scheduled to hold on November 6, 2021.

Ozigbo, in a statement issued by Aziza Uko, spokesperson of his campaign organisation, said the decision was taken over the spate of violence in the state.

Anambra has witnessed a series of attacks targeted at government facilities — including police stations — as well as residential areas.

In the latest attack, which occurred on Thursday, the Ajali divisional police station was set ablaze.

Ozigbo described the recent attacks as alarming, and called for urgent efforts to address the menace.

“In the past few days, we have witnessed an alarming escalation of deadly violence in Anambra. We lost an eminent son and several others in what appears to be a renewed violent campaign by bandits,” he said.

“Yesterday, a prominent Nigerian public servant, medical doctor, and a stalwart of PDP, Lawrence Ezenwa, was killed in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state. Ezenwa, who is from Abia, was visiting his wife’s village, Ukpo in Nnewi South, when he met his demise; his driver was also shot and killed.

“On the same day, a vehicle belonging to a federal lawmaker, Rep. Chris Azubogu, was attacked and his driver killed in cold blood.

“As a leader, I find the latest violence disturbing and condemnable and I call for a stop to all acts of violence, particularly against the innocent.

“Due to this development, and in line with my belief that no life is worth anybody’s ambition, I suspended all my campaign rallies and public appearances scheduled for this week.

“Every life is precious and ought to be protected and preserved.”

The PDP candidate also condemned the killing of Chike Akunyili, husband of the late Dora Akunyili, ex-minister of information and communications, and expressed condolence to the family and the people of Anambra state.

“Indeed, all Anambra people and my family are shaken by the unimaginable violence, which took the life of our illustrious son, Akunyili. We mourn his loss and send our deepest sympathies to his children and may the Lord receive the soul of the departed,” he said.

“I also extend my condolences to the families of Ezenwa and others, who have met a violent end this week in the hands of gunmen on rampage in Anambra. I believe that an injury to any one of us as Ndi Anambra is an injury to me.

“This is the time for our leaders to stand up and demonstrate leadership we can believe in. Every lawful step must be taken to address the growing incidence of insecurity in Anambra and the South-East.

“I call for an end to the dehumanisation of my people and any people for that matter.”