The Labour Party has demanded the immediate release of Ceekay Igara, its National Vice Chairman for the South-East, who was arrested by police in Aba on alleged orders from Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
The party’s Deputy National Chairman, Ayo Olorunfemi, expressed the party’s shock at the arrest, which occurred while Igara was in a meeting with party leaders.
He expressed disappointment, stating, “It is shocking that this is happening on the orders of the party’s only state governor.”
Olorunfemi pointed out that the party had made efforts to reconcile with Otti, particularly after the courts affirmed Julius Abure’s leadership and validated the Nnewi convention.
He stated that the party is bewildered by Otti’s sudden shift towards undermining its leadership and described the situation as an act of political intimidation.
His words: “It is surprising that he has resorted to introducing brute and anachronistic form of political intimidation.
“It is often said that power does not change a man, rather power only brings out the true nature of a man.
“We were fooled by his humane posture, not knowing that he was just masquerading his tyrannical true person.
“We demand the immediate release of Comrade Ceekay Igara from the custody of the police. If he is not released, he should be charged to court within the next 24 hours as specified by law.”