A State House of Assembly candidate under the Young Progressives Party for Umuahia east constituency in Abia, Innocent Nwachukwu has alleged the destruction of his election campaign billboards mounted in strategic places in the constituency by opposition elements.
He particularly frowned in strong terms, the destruction of his billboards and posters sited beside Umuohu-Okpula Ndume Ibeku community hall, along the busy Ikot- Ekpene road in Umuahia axis in Abia State.
He said the destruction followed the rancour between the supporters of YPP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ndume Otuka ward which forms parts of the present Umuahia east constituency in the state.
While baring his mind on the destruction of election campaign billboards, Nwachukwu sued for issue-based politics in Umuahia, condemning the alleged viciousness recently displayed by followers of opponents for the Abia House of Assembly race.
He reminded opposition parties in Umuahia east constituency that elections are never won by threats in a democratic setting but by cohesion among people who share the same political ideology for good governance.
“If we do not have peace and harmony, achieving political strength, economic rejuvenation, stability, and cultural growth will be impossible, “Nwachukwu added.
The Abia YPP chieftain called on the opposition parties and candidates to eschew campaigns of calumny and violence and promote peace before, during and after the main elections.
“Now that Ndume ward has been allotted exclusive right to represent the good people of Umuahia east state constituency at the Abia House of Assembly come this year, we must shun violent politics and seek to build an atmosphere of peace and cooperation amongst us which to me, is the needed ingredients for any meaningful development or progress to take place in this our society.
“Ndume Otuka must practice peace at all levels. Be it party A or B, we are all brothers. Politics is not a win-or-die affair. We must congratulate anyone who emerges the winner in the forthcoming House of Assembly election.
“I, therefore, sue for peace among all political parties and enjoin those in the habit if fomenting trouble to desist forthwith in the interest and development of Ndume Otuka community”.