‘Attempt To Suppress Constitutional Rights Of Citizens In Imo Must Stop’ — Ugochinyere

Member representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has condemned what he described as a coordinated attempt to suppress the constitutional rights of citizens in Imo State.

In a statement released on Tuesday during his endorsement rally as the consensus candidate for the 2027 election, Ugochinyere alleged that security forces attempted to disrupt what he described as a peaceful and lawful political gathering.

The lawmaker said the actions of the security operatives amounted to an attack on citizens’ constitutional rights to association and peaceful assembly.

“If I cannot lead my people to exercise their constitutional right of association, then I have failed in my duty. I swore an oath to uphold the law, and that law — the 1999 Constitution — guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate,” he stated.

Ugochinyere, an APP chieftain, called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by directing authorities in Abuja to caution security operatives in Owerri, whom he alleged were acting under the instructions of senior security officials.

He also raised concerns over reports that security agents allegedly opened fire on unarmed citizens, leaving several persons injured.

“Let it be made clear: I am a duly elected federal lawmaker representing my people. I am marching to commission my party office — an act that is entirely lawful. Since when did commissioning a party office become an offence? Since when did citizens gathering to express support for their representative become a crime?” he queried.

The federal lawmaker stressed that political mobilisation, party registration and peaceful assembly remain fundamental democratic rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

“We will proceed, though cautiously. We may slow our march, but we will not stop. Journalists and cameras are present, broadcasting live so the world can witness any act of provocation and identify those responsible,” he added.

Eyewitnesses at the event also alleged that armed operatives, accompanied by suspected thugs, attacked participants and destroyed equipment at the rally venue located at Christ Anglican Church, Ntueke.

“We state unequivocally: this rally will hold. It is organised to honour a representative freely elected by the people, and no act of intimidation will deter us,” eyewitnesses reportedly stated.

Ugochinyere further appealed to the Inspector General of Police to immediately intervene, arguing that the conduct of the security personnel contradicted repeated assurances of professionalism and integrity by security agencies.

According to him, the planned march from Christ Anglican Church, Ntueke, to the party office covered only a short distance, but organisers deliberately slowed the procession to allow federal authorities time to intervene and prevent escalation.

“We urge those directing these operations in Owerri to immediately withdraw their forces and allow citizens to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully,” he said.

Reaffirming his position, the lawmaker insisted that the right to peaceful assembly and association remains non-negotiable in a democratic society.

“To those who claim popularity yet panic at peaceful gatherings, we say this: meet us at the polls. Democracy provides the platform for contest, not suppression,” he added.