The Labour Party is calling for the prompt release of Ceekay Igara, its National Vice Chairman for the South-East, who was apprehended by police in Aba under what they allege are orders from Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Ayo Olorunfemi, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, expressed disbelief at the circumstances surrounding Igara’s arrest, which took place during a meeting with other party leaders.
According to Olorunfemi, police surrounded the meeting venue and took Igara into custody without presenting a warrant.
He voiced his disappointment, stating, “It is shocking that this is occurring under the directive of the party’s only state governor.”
Olorunfemi noted that the party had been working towards reconciliation with Otti, especially after the courts upheld Julius Abure’s leadership and confirmed the decisions made at the Nnewi convention.
He described Otti’s recent actions as a puzzling move to undermine the party’s leadership and characterized the incident as a form of political intimidation.
“It is surprising that he has turned to such a brutal and outdated approach to political intimidation,” Olorunfemi remarked.
“It is often said that power doesn’t change a man; rather, it reveals his true nature. We were misled by his seemingly humane demeanor, not realizing he was concealing a tyrannical disposition.”
The Labour Party demands the immediate release of Comrade Ceekay Igara from police custody. Olorunfemi added that if he is not released, he should be formally charged in court within the next 24 hours, as stipulated by law.
