By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi citizens in the Diaspora have condemned the attack on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in the State, Prof. Bernard Odoh.

Odoh was attacked during one of his campaign consultations, allegedly by operatives of Ebubeagu Security Network, at Iboko in Izzi LGA of the state on October 20, 2022.

Odoh attack followed the reported abduction of a former federal legislator and Ebonyi South senatorial candidate of Labour Party (LP), Hon. Linus Okorie, last weekend.

The Ebonyi State Government had banned statewide public gatherings indirectly against opposition party’s campaigns even at a time when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had lifted the ban on electoral campaigns.

A statement condemning that attack was issued and signed by Dr. Daniel Nwibo (UK), Dr. Martin Itumo (UK), Mr. Joshua Ekoyo (Canada), and Engr. Tony C. Amadi (Japan).

In the statement the conglomeration of Ebonyians in diaspora alleged that the APGA campaign attack was allegedly led by Izzi Development Centre coordinator, Mr. Paschal Obiya, who had on assumption of office announced through his social media handles that opposition (non-APC) political parties in Ebonyi State, are no longer allowed to campaign anywhere under his coordinatorship, either in form of posters, billboards or meeting.

The statement reads in part: “As Ebonyians in different parts of the world where true democracy is practiced, we view this as a deliberate attempt to stifle our democracy. More instinctively, it is a calculated attempt to stifle the opposition, circumvent democratic rights of the people, heat up the polity and frustrate peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections in Ebonyi State.

“As such we condemn, in its reprimandable entirety, such acts from Ebonyi State government officials maintaining that such divisive tendencies should not be allowed to incubate, as they would blossom into an untold conflagration that we might not be able to control."

The statement also charged those viewing the attack on Prof. Odoh and his team from clannish perspectives to desist henceforth, saying that as brothers in the same family of Ebonyi state, no tribe or clan is superior to the other.

“We commiserate with our brethren in Iboko Izzi that sustained varying degrees of injuries, or lost their properties to the attack. Moreso, we commend all Ebonyians for their equanimity, even as we view these unwarranted provocations as part of efforts of a failed few to derail our march towards prosperity.

“More importantly, as we head into the general elections, we are keenly watching every happenstance in our dear state to ensure that all contending factions of the polity are given due freedom to operate. On this ground, we state unequivocally that only Ebonyians and God can determine who leads Ebonyi from May 29, 2023.

“Imposition of candidate(s), or use of state apparatus to hound perceived oppositions are by this missive, discouraged and derided.

“We kindly request that Ebonyi State Government, led by Gov. Engr. David Umahi, would do all that is legally required within the ambits of our laws to ensure that Hon. Linus Okorie, previously mentioned, gets a fair trial, or acquitted as legally required. This should be done urgently as justice delayed is justice denied.

“Considering the unequivocal retinue of complaints that have greeted the activities of Nigerian Police and Ebubeagu in Ebonyi State, we solicit that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, and the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi, swiftly review the actions and constitutions of both outfits with the aim of ensuring a more people-centered security even as we approach the elections.”