APP  fingers  Imo State government over alleged attack on  Ugochinyere’s  supporters at  rally 

The Imo State Chapter of Action Peoples Party, APP, has accused the State Government of being responsible to alleged attack on supporters of Ikenga Ugochinyere , member representing Ideato North and South at the National Assembly.

The attack, according to the party, took place at Christ Anglican Church, Itueke, Ideato South LGA, during a constituency briefing and official unveiling of the Federal Constituency office.

In a press statement issued through the desk of the its spokesperson, Steve Nnadi, the party alleged that the State Government deployed security personnel and masked men suspected to be thugs to the venue of the event and unleashed terror on the Constituents and supporters of the Lawmaker.

“In what appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt, harass, and intimidate Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Honourable Member representing the good and enterprising people of Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State allegedly deployed security operatives and masked thugs to the venue of a constituency briefing attended by men, women, youths, and guests from all walks of life.

 “The attendees were reportedly subjected to humiliation, molestation, brutality, and tear gas, an incident that reflects  a recurring pattern by the State Government.

This trend, if left unchecked, risks establishing a dangerous and draconian precedent against opposition figures in the State” the release stated.

The party,  however recalled that the incident has become a recurring decimal since the inception of the present administration on January 15, 2020.

“It is on record that Governor Uzodinma has remained unrelenting in actions perceived as targeted attacks against Hon. Ugochinyere. 

The reported use of live ammunition and tear gas on unarmed constituents is considered not only barbaric but wholly unacceptable, and deserving of widespread condemnation.

 “It could be recalled that a similar incident allegedly occurred at the country home of the lawmaker, where lives were lost and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in a fire incident reportedly linked to agents of the State.”the release added.

APP in the press statement, asserted that it strongly condemns the development and called on the Citizens of the State both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices in condemning the act which the party maintained is capable of causing perpetual social unrest.

The party also called on  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , the State Elders Council, and the  State House of Assembly, to call Governor Uzodinma to order. 

It  further described the action as  anti-democratic  and political intimidation which could plunge the State into avoidable crisis and instability.

“Hon. Ugochinyere remains a law abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is entitled to his fundamental human rights, including freedom of association and assembly, which must not be violated under any circumstance.

“The actions of Hon. Okechukwu Okwara, also known as Morocco, the Council Chairman, alongside individuals alleged to be acting on directives from the State Government, are strongly condemned, as the will of the people of Ideato nation must ultimately prevailed.” the party further added.

The leadership of APP in the State reiterated that it will no longer tolerate attacks on its representative asserting that  the party is prepared to resist any form of anti-democratic brinkmanship and will confront such actions through all lawful and constitutional means. 

“No amount of force can silence the voice of the people or suppress an idea whose time has come.

Finally, the party holds Governor Hope Uzodinma accountable for the safety of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere as he continues to serve and provide people centred representation to the Ideato nation.” the release declared.