Presidential poll: Ezeife, traditional rulers, South-East leaders warn against attacks on Igbos in the North

Prominent lead­ers from the South – east , including tra­ditional rulers, have kicked against what they described as un­necessary attacks on Igbos and their busi­ness interests in many northern states ahead of the tension soaked presidential poll.

Emerging from its 1st National Summit of Ndigbo in Northern Nigeria which was held in Abuja over the weekend, the leaders equal­ly accused the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega of plans to disenfranchise the Igbos, adding that the commission’s boss lacks the credibility to conduct free and fair polls.

Some of the leaders which include former gov­ernor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Eze­ife; President, Council of Traditional Rulers in the Diaspora, Chief Jonah O. Eze-Ekwueme; Coordinat­ing Secretary, South East Peoples Assembly, Dr If­edi Okwenna and other high-ranking traditional rulers, called on the fed­eral government to ensure that Igbos were protected before, during and after the presidential election in the country.

“We urge Ndigbo in Northern Nigeria not to fall to any form of intimidation and manipulation, but to re­main resolute, collect their Permanent Voters Cards and cast their votes accord­ingly to ensure the election of President Jonathan.