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The Anambra Central
senatorial candidate of Accord Party, Annie Okonkwo, has described
reports that he has stepped down for Chris Ngige of the Action Congress
of Nigeria as “wicked, false and misleading.” Mr. Okonkwo, the
incumbent senator, who defected from the People’s Democratic Party to
re-run for the senate, said he is still in the race saying reports that
he has withdrawn from the senatorial race which was published on
Saturday by some national dailies as false. “I wish to state
categorically and emphatically that the said information is a base lie,
suggestive of the desperation of its beneficiary and sponsors, whose
exposed underbelly clearly marks them out as undeserving of an elevated
senatorial seat.” Mr. Okonkwo said.

News of the
incumbent senator’s withdrawal was spread on Friday morning as part of
the April Fool’s day antics of some politicians. He said the joke went
too far after it was published in some dailies. “I request my
appreciated voting public of Anambra Central to completely ignore this
fever induced midday fantasy and please go all out emasse on Saturday
to stamp the authority of their preference for me with the enormous
power of their votes and patience,” he added.

National sacrifice

Meanwhile, the
Senate President, David Mark, who is also re-running, has asked
Nigerians to come out enmasse to elect members of the 2011 National
Assembly during the rerun election. He pleaded that the set-back
occasioned by the postponement of the exercise on Saturday should be
seen as a national sacrifice, and exhibit high level of patriotism in
this exercise to ensure that the elections of 2011 reflects the wishes
and yearnings of the nation. “This is a temporary set-back,” he said.
“It will test our resilience and perseverance as a people determined to
chart the right course for our generation and those yet unborn. I
believe that if we get it right this time, we would have laid a solid
foundation that would be built upon by successive administrations and
people.” He was optimistic that the Independent National Electoral
Commission, (INEC) would rise up to the occasion after the
short-comings that necessitated the postponement and conduct free, fair
and credible elections that would meet international standard and
satisfy all stakeholders.

The President of the Senate also cautioned political parties and
candidates to guide their utterances. “We must guide our utterances and
actions so that we would not unwittingly inflame anger or provocation.”