Indigenes of Abia State living in the United States under the auspices of Concerned Abia Citizens in North America (CACNA) have urged President Goodluck Jonathan and Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega to guarantee that the citizens’ votes count in the state in the approaching elections.

They say the avoidance of the sub-dual of the will of the people of the state as the only way for a credible candidate to emerge after the polls.

The group predicted that citizens of the state will vote for Jonathan to continue as president because they consider him as one of their own and also for restoring order to Aba, the commercial capital of the state.

“All Abians will remain grateful to you and the Nigerian army for their professionalism in tackling the menace of kidnapping in Aba and its environs,” the statement signed by Chief Joshua Afuke and Mr. Okechukwu Anyamele said.

However, CACNA has foreseen a change of leadership in the state lamenting that much has been suffered in terms of economic and developmental setbacks.

Harping more on the need for fair elections, the group warned that any attempt to rig or manipulate the 2011 elections at any level may result in disorder.

In summation the group urged the government to ensure that the April 2011 National, State and Local government elections be conducted with all dedication to care, civility, fairness, and respect for public opinion and guarantee that election rigging be forestalled, abhorred and punished by law.

CACNA acknowledged that Abia people are responsible, law abiding and peace-oriented citizens of Nigeria who long for good governance, leadership, security, and practical development