Tension is high in Ideato, Imo State, as the Imo Police forcefully took over the venue of Federal Lawmaker Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere’s planned reception today. The event’s organizers vow to host the lawmaker despite the government’s actions, warning that suppressing democratic events like this can have serious consequences.
The police takeover comes after the Imo State government issued an order banning public gatherings in Ideato, claiming it’s to maintain peace. However, organizers accuse the government of trying to scuttle the event.
Ugochinyere has been at odds with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, alleging neglect and marginalization of Ideato. This isn’t the first time Ugochinyere has faced opposition; his home was bombed in January 2023, and he was involved in a dispute with the Imo State government over allegations of insecurity and neglect in Ideato.
The organizers are urging authorities, including the IGP, DSS, and NSA, to intervene and ensure the event proceeds peacefully.
