The Imo State Chapter of Action Peoples Party (APP) has accused the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, of deploying security operatives masked as thugs on supporters of the lawmaker representing Ideato North and South at the National Assembly, Ikenga Ugochinyere.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the party’s spokesperson, Steve Nnadi, in a statement issued on Friday, disclosed that the attack took place at Christ Anglican Church, Itueke, Ideato South LGA, during a constituency briefing and official unveiling of the Federal Constituency office.
The party alleged that the masked security operatives used live ammunition and tear gas on unarmed constituents and supporters of the lawmaker.
APP also recalled that the incident had become a recurring decimal since the present administration took office on January 15, 2020.
The party strongly condemned the development and called on the citizens of the State, both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices to condemn the act, which the party maintained could cause perpetual social unrest.
It also called on President Bola Tinubu, the State Elders Council, and the State House of Assembly to call Governor Uzodinma to order.
The statement read, “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.
“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.”
