The Imo State chapter of the Action Peoples Party (APP) has accused the state government of allegedly orchestrating an attack on supporters of Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmaker representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
According to the party, the incident occurred at Christ Anglican Church, Itueke, in Ideato South Local Government Area during a constituency briefing and the unveiling of the lawmaker’s federal constituency office.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Steve Nnadi, it was alleged that the state government deployed security operatives alongside masked individuals suspected to be thugs to the venue, where attendees were reportedly assaulted and tear-gassed.
The party claimed that the action disrupted the event and subjected constituents, including women and youths, to harassment and intimidation.
It further alleged that this was part of a pattern of targeted actions against the lawmaker since the current administration assumed office in 2020.
According to the statement, the use of force against unarmed civilians was described as unacceptable and capable of heightening political tension in the state.
The APP also referenced previous alleged incidents involving attacks on the lawmaker’s residence, claiming that such events had led to destruction of property and loss of lives.
The party called on President Bola Tinubu, the Imo State Elders Council, and the State House of Assembly to intervene and caution Governor Hope Uzodinma over the matter.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mbadiwe Emeluba, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages at the time of filing this report.
