By Praise Chinecherem
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) the apex socio-political youth group in the South East geopolitical zone has condemned in strongest terms removal of the campaign billboards of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi and the Anambra Central Senatorial Candidate Senator Victor Umeh (Ohamadike).
The group, in a statement signed by President General, Hon. Goodluck Ibem and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru said the development was more worrisome considering that advert fees have been fully paid for by the candidates.
It described the action as illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic, stressing that the governor had no right to remove the billboards.
It warned that Soludo would be given 48 hours to replace the billboards or face the wrath of the youths.
The statement reads, “We have waited for some days hoping that Governor Soludo will come back to his senses and correct himself of such great dishonour against Ndigbo but he has not corrected himself.
“The illegal action by Governor Charles Soludo to remove campaign billboards of these noble candidates because they are not in his political party is unconstitutional and undemocratic to say the least.
“We are aware that why Governor Soludo is after Mr Peter Obi and Senator Victor Umeh is because these two personalities represent integrity, sincerity and transparency which is in variant to what Soludo believes in.
“The actions of Governor Soludo clearly shows that he ventured into politics because of his selfish desire to corruptly enrich himself from taxes paid by Anambra people which is why he is disturbed anytime he sees the billboards of these men of integrity and transparency.
“We give Governor Soludo 48 hours to replace those billboards of Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Victor Umeh which he illegal removed or face the wrath of the youths.
“It is quite unfortunate that only the democracy dividends of Governor Soludo is to insult the sensibility of Ndigbo and what Ndigbo stands for. He is also at the opposing side of Igbos integrity and always does directly opposite of what he says.
“Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Victor Umeh represent light and no antics of anti-democratic forces like Governor Soludo will stop that light from shinning for the good of all Nigerians.
“We warn Governor Soludo to remove the hand of the monkey from soup before it turns to the hand of a human being. Enough said!”