Chief Joemartin Uzodike, former Anambra Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, has cautioned politicians against mudslinging and character assassination in the build-up to the November 8 governorship election.
In a statement titled “Anambra Election: Enough of the Absurd” issued in Awka on Monday, Uzodike decried what he described as the steady degeneration of political discourse in the state.
He condemned recent allegations bordering on certificate forgery, marital infidelity, DNA disputes, and the invasion of politicians’ family privacy, describing the trend as “uncouth, inflammatory and asinine.”
“In my 72 years of existence and over 46 years in politics, I have never seen such absurdity in electioneering. This is troubling, especially as Anambra grapples with insecurity, erosion, food shortages and citizens’ welfare challenges,” he said.
The elder statesman urged political actors to rein in their media handlers and focus on issues that matter to citizens, warning that the negative image being created was tarnishing the state’s reputation globally.
On zoning, Uzodike called for its abolition, arguing that it breeds mediocrity, complacency and unhealthy rivalry.
“Anambra should forget zoning and elect the best to preside over us, not those who merely think it is their turn,” he added.
