•Party Chairman expresses shock over development

By CHUKWUEMEKA OPARA

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed shock at its member’s involvement in the kidnap and eventual death of HRH Francis Igwe, Father of Ebonyi former Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that confirmed reports indicate that the party’s publicity secretary in the state was involved in the act.

The APC Chairman in Ebonyi, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, expressed the shock on Saturday when he led a party delegation in a condolence to Igwe’s family in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA).

Okoro-Emegha said the news of the party executive’s complicity was so shocking that he could not face the public.

“The report is unheard of as I do not have the confidence to face the public since the past two days.

“Members of the party cannot believe in their entire lives that the party can be associated with such an act.

“We operate as a family to the extent that someone can vouch for another despite our normal party activities,” he said.

The party chairman insisted that it would support the decision of the state government on the matter, in getting justice for the Igwe family.

“The governor as the father of the state and leader of the party cannot tolerate such evil acts no matter who is involved.

“We condemn whatever is condemnable as whatever is evil is evil.

“All those who heard of the act and did not disclose it among other levels of involvement, must receive equal measure of what they deserve,” he said.

He urged the deputy governor to be consoled because being strong would inspire consolation into those around him.

“I also urge the family and entire community to be consoled because the deputy governor needs your solace to be strong.

“The worst thing one can do against God is to take a life that you do not know how it was created,” he said.

The Palace Secretary of the community, Dr Johnson Aloh, thanked the party for the visit, noting that the palace and community was totally devastated over the incident.

Aloh regretted that such an act was perpetuated in Ebonyi when the state had become a model among states and a haven of peace.

“Truly, it was earth-shaking when we heard that the name of our dear party was soiled by the actions of an individual.

“We however have the discerning spirit to differentiate the act of an individual from that of the party as we know that the party can never indulge in such an act.

“We thank you for spearheading this fight and urge you to help in ensuring that bad eggs who want to tarnish the state’s image are checked,” he said. (NAN)

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