Imo PDP suspends campaign to mourn victims of attack on CUPP spokesperson home

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo has suspended campaign for one week to mourn victims of an attack on the home of Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in the state.

Ugochinyere’s uncle and some other persons were reportedly killed by gunmen in the attack which occurred on Saturday.

Vehicles were also reportedly razed in the process.

In a memo on Monday, Ray Emeana, secretary of the PDP in Imo said during the one week of mourning, the party’s flags would be flown at half-mast.

“In view of the attack on the candidate of the party in Ideato north/Ideato south federal constituency and the gruesome murder of three members of the party. The party hereby declares one week of mourning and suspends all campaigns for one week,” Emeana said.

“During the week, all party’s flags shall fly at half mast, and all party faithful are enjoined to wear black armbands. The party during the period will protest in the strongest possible ways to all security agencies in the state.

“All party faithful are further directed to maintain peace.”

‘FG MUST PROSECUTE INVADERS’

The Coalition For Good Governance (CGG), a civil society organisation (CSO) said the federal government must find the attackers and bring them to book.

In a statement, Okey Chikwendu and Don Anthony Harmattan, CCG’s chairman and public relations officer, expressed dismay at the inability of the authorities to protect lives and property.

“We urge the federal government, the Nigerian police, security operatives, and all men of goodwill to swing into action to unravel the invaders and killers of Mr Den, the uncle of Ikenga Ugochinyere, and bring them to justice,” they said.

“At a time like this and as Nigerians prepare for the 2023 polls, any attempt to snuff off any life and destroy properties of political opponents will amount to creating anarchy in the society which is totally unacceptable to Nigerians, hence we call for immediate action to find the murderers and perpetrators of this dastardly act on Ikenga Ugochinyere imo.”