The Imo State Chapter of the Action Peoples Party (APP) has accused the state government of orchestrating a violent attack on supporters of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, during a constituency event at Christ Anglican Church, Itueke, Ideato South Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred during the official unveiling of the lawmaker’s federal constituency office, reportedly involved the deployment of security operatives and masked men believed to be thugs, who unleashed terror on attendees. According to the party, the gathering, which included men, women, youths, and guests from various backgrounds, was disrupted with tear gas, physical brutality, and humiliation.
In a statement released by the party’s spokesperson, Steve Nnadi, APP alleged that Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration deliberately targeted Hon. Ugochinyere in an attempt to intimidate and harass him. The party described the actions as a dangerous pattern of behavior by the state government, warning that if unchecked, it could set a draconian precedent against opposition figures in Imo State. The use of tear gas and physical violence against unarmed civilians was condemned as barbaric and unacceptable, demanding widespread public and institutional condemnation.
APP noted that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred under the current administration, which began on January 15, 2020. The party recalled a previous attack at the lawmaker’s country home, where lives were lost and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in a fire allegedly linked to state agents. These repeated incidents, the party argued, point to a systematic campaign of intimidation against political opponents. The APP called on citizens across Nigeria, including those in the diaspora, to speak out against the violence and protect democratic space in the state.
The party also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the State Elders Council, and the Imo State House of Assembly to intervene and hold Governor Uzodinma accountable for the alleged misconduct. Despite multiple attempts to reach the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mbadiwe Emeluba, through calls, text messages, and WhatsApp, there was no response. The silence from the state government’s official communication channel has further fueled concerns about transparency and accountability in the administration.
This latest development underscores growing tensions in Imo State’s political landscape and raises serious questions about the safety of opposition figures and the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, the call for justice and protection of democratic rights continues to echo across the state and beyond.
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