The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), a youth organization, has denounced the assault on Chief Jude Ezenwafor, the GDP candidate for governor of Anambra State in the November 8 election, and demanded that those responsible be apprehended and prosecuted.
Gunmen shot Ezenwafor on Friday night in Abuja.
The shooting incident, which happened in the Wuse II area while Ezenwafor was on his way home from an appointment, was characterized as a heinous act by the group, which is the South East’s leading sociopolitical youth group.
Comrade Goodluck Ibem, the group’s president general, signed a statement issued in Awka that read: “This is not just an attack on an individual but an attack on our democratic values and the very fabric of our society.”
Our magnificent country’s peaceful political environment is at danger due to the increasing wave of violence, intimidation, and lawlessness, which gravely disturbs us.
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Our sincere condolences and prayers are with Chief Ezenwafor, who is presently undergoing medical treatment in a hospital, for a speedy recovery. His dedication to serving Anambra State’s citizens, particularly the young, is deserving of respect and protection.
Law enforcement organizations must move quickly to look into the situation, it stated, adding: “We demand the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this heinous conduct. As we approach the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial elections, this must be a clear call for our security forces to increase their efforts in safeguarding the safety of all candidates, members of political parties, and residents overall.
Along with calling for “an environment where dialogue and peace prevail over fear and violence,” the group also urged citizens, stakeholders, and political leaders to band together against intimidation and violence in our democratic process.
Additionally, it required that the relevant authorities set up safeguards for each candidate and take action to stop the increasing trend of political violence. The rule of law must be upheld, and criminals who attempt to subvert our democratic values by using force must be held accountable.
According to the statement, the coalition, which speaks for the youth of the South East, opposes all forms of violence.
The public, supporters, and members were urged to maintain vigilance and notify the proper authorities of any questionable activities.
