By VICTOR NWACHUKWU

Former Gov. Emeka Ihedioha of Imo and his Deputy, Mr Gerald Irona, have debunked the allegation of sedition by a pressure group in the state.

The group, called the Coalition For Justice, Peace and True Democracy, had accused former Rep. Uche Onyeaguocha and Rep. Kingsley Uju, representing Ohaji-Egbema/Oru West/ Oguta Federal Constituency of making seditious remarks.

The coalition alleged that Onyeaguocha and Irona had at various times addressed Ihedioha as the governor of Imo.

It said: “On July 28, 2022, Onyeagocha addressed Chief Emeka Ihedioha as the governor of Imo at the VIP reception of the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri an utterance Ihedioha never took exception to.

“We recall the unkind statement made by former Dep. Gov. Gerald Irona, when he said they would ‘make Imo ungovernable’ for Gov. Hope Uzodimma”.

It feared that the remarks were capable of causing insurrection in the state.

At a peaceful protest in Owerri on Thursday, the group called on security agencies to carry out an investigation against Irona, Onyeaguocha and Ihedioha.

According to the group’s Spokesperson, Mr Ahumaraeze Ikechukwu, the coalition decided to call for the investigation “after carefully analysing the remarks”.

Ikechukwu urged President Muhammadu Buhari to save democracy in Imo by causing an investigation to be carried out against the trio.

He said that the investigation was necessary “in the overall interest of democracy, the Government and people of Imo”.

He said: “We will not relent, if requisite action is not taken.

“We will resist all attempts to cause treason in Imo and hopefully, our cry to save our democracy from impending danger will be hearkened to.

In a reaction to the allegation on Saturday, Onyeaguocha said: “I have no intention of sedition.

“I have always referred to him, Ihedioha, as the authentic governor elected by Imo voters.”

Also, Ihedioha’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Chibuike Onyekwu, said: “It is petty and laughable for Uzodinma to turn around and accuse Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Irona and other innocent and patriotic citizens and leaders of the PDP in Imo of fanning the embers of insecurity.

“This is one of the sponsored antics by the governor and his cohorts to divert the attention of the public from the failures of his administration.” (NAN)

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