Chijioke Edeoga, the Enugu State Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has strongly condemned the arrest of the party’s National Chairman, Comrade Julius Abure.
Edeoga described the police action as an abuse of rights and suggested it was an attempt to undermine the party’s prospects in the upcoming governorship contest in Edo State.
In a statement personally signed by Edeoga, he expressed dismay at the public humiliation inflicted on Comrade Abure during the arrest and demanded greater respect for the Labour Party leader, who he noted, represents millions of party members across Nigeria.
Edeoga criticized the Edo State Police Command for not extending a formal invitation to Comrade Abure before the arrest, stating, “Without prejudice to the police procedure and investigations, these allegations smack of a deliberate attempt to intimidate and diminish the person and office of the Labour Party Chairman before every right-thinking Nigerian.”
He further highlighted that Comrade Abure, as a key figure in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, had been in the state to prepare for the party’s primary elections to select its governorship candidate.
The Labour Party candidate also denounced the characterization of Comrade Abure as a “factional Chairman” by the Edo State Police Command and certain media outlets.
He affirmed that the Supreme Court of Nigeria had recognized Abure as the undisputed National Chairman of the party.
Edeoga called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution the Nigerian Police and other security agencies against biased actions.
He emphasized the need for security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all participants in the election, irrespective of party affiliation.
He concluded by urging political leaders to prioritize the wellbeing and freedom of the people, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance for the betterment of society.
Comrade Julius Abure was arrested in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, and was later released late in the night.
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