By Christiana Ekpa
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), representing the collective voice of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria, has strongly condemned the reported plot to arrest the federal lawmaker representing Ideato federal constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, saying the move, if allowed, will amount to an attack on democracy and free speech.
Peoples Daily reports that the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) had raised the alarm over alleged intelligence received by the Opposition of a grand plot by a highly placed actor in the Rivers State political crisis to use the Police Force to frame up the opposition federal lawmaker and G60 legislators’ spokesperson, Hon. Ugochinyere, with fabricated charges of murder, rape, kidnap, gun-running and other crimes over his stance on Rivers State political crisis, defence of democracy and principles of decent intra-party procedures.
Reacting to the development, the CNPP in a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, strongly warned that the plot, if carried out, could lead to unfathomable political instability and breach of the peace.
“The development raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic values and the suppression of free speech.
“The CNPP believes that the reported plot to arrest Hon. Ugochinyere is not only an attack on an individual but also a direct assault on democracy itself. We view this as an attempt to extend the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, which will add a dangerous dimension to the already precarious situation in the state.
“The CNPP stands firm in defence of democracy, which thrives on the principles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and respect for fundamental rights. Any attempt to undermine these principles threatens the very fabric of the country and open threat to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
