THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Ndi Igbo Germany (NIG), a socio-cultural organization and the umbrella body for all Igbo unions in Germany, has called for peaceful elections in Igboland and Nigeria on 25 February, when citizens of Africa’s most populous nation go to the polls to elect a new president.
In the press release, signed by Chief Benjamin Chinaka, Co-ordinator, and Engr. Ikechukwu Eriobu, General Secretary, NIG stated that it was “aware of the pains Nigerians are facing because of the economic hardship. And that the lack of security, scarcity of fuel and cash due to the change of currency notes has made the situation terrible for the masses to cope with”.
The statement reads further:
“The above situation is very glaring, and we all know that the lack of competent, credible, accountable leadership is at the root of most of the situation taking place in the Southeast and Nigeria at large. NIG is pleading to Ndi Igbo and Nigerians to come out en masse and use the forthcoming polls to express their dissatisfaction with the years of neglect by the political leaders.
“Ndi Igbo and Nigerians know the three major candidates vying for the post of the president. Our dear country is at the crossroads, and she needs a leader that radiates hope for the nation, knows the plights of the masses and has solutions to them, a person of proven integrity, a uniting figure, a person that is close to the masses.
“We all wouldn’t want to be plunged further into hopelessness. Ndi Igbo Germany is asking Nigerians back home to exercise their civic responsibilities by critically accessing the candidates and vote the candidate that is fit to rescue the country from further decay.
“NIG uses this medium to remind you that your vote for the credible candidates at the polling units is like a revolution without a bloodshed. Ndi Igbo Germany dreams of a better Nigeria that is conducive for all and sundry. NIG advises the political elites to know that it’s no longer business as usual because the masses are now awakened and as such know the right steps to take. Such steps shouldn’t be hindered.
“NIG wishes Nigerians a peaceful, free, and fair election on 25 February.”
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