Igbo People In Northern Nigeria Banned From Travelling Due To 2019 Elections

Igbo people who are based in 19 northern states in Nigeria have been banned from travelling to their states of origin to vote in next year’s general elections.

Nigerian Guardian reports that any person who flouts the directive would be fined an undisclosed amount of money.

It added that the decision was reached following an extraordinary meeting of the Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA), an administrative umbrella organisation of Igbo resident in the northern states and Abuja in Barnawa, Kaduna State.

The organisation said this in a statement jointly signed by President General Chief Chikezie Nwogu and Secretary General Austin Ofokansi Ifedinezi.

In attendance were executives, all Eze Igbos and chapter presidents in the 19 states. 

The IDA also urged members to remain law-abiding in their states of residence.

It said: “We want our people to stay in their respective states and cast their votes. The era of running home during elections cannot be tolerated again. There is no need for us to go home at every election because if you do that you will automatically disenfranchise yourself.

“We have done a lot of sensitisation. We have also educated our people on this and we all agreed. That is why we decided to place an embargo. And if you travel, IDA will fine such person(s).”

IDA is responsible for members’ welfare.