Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has distanced himself from the Nigeria Police’s arrest and investigation of the president of Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, Comrade Igboyaka Igboyaka, at the weekend in Imo State.
A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the state governor, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to LEADERSHIP said that the governor’s attention was drawn to the arrest, suggesting that he ordered the Nigeria Police to arrest Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka.
He noted that the arrest is coming on the heels of the unfortunate attack on Amegu Nkalaha in the Ishielu local government area, which claimed many lives and properties.
The statement noted that the scene of the unfortunate incident is grotesque and has drawn nationwide attention and condemnation.
“Let me categorically state that Governor Nwifuru has no involvement in any such arrest or police action against Comrade Igboayaka.
“As the chief security officer of Ebonyi State, Governor Nwifuru remains committed to upholding justice, ensuring peace, and protecting the rights of all Ebonyians, including those who express concerns about security matters.
It is important to clarify that the governor’s role is to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard lives and property, not to interfere in law enforcement procedures.
Intelligence at our disposal does not show Igboayaka works with the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, NIA, nor for the Directorate of State Services to be armed with such intelligence that threatens internal security. Rather, Igboayaka is a social deviant running a factional arm of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Any arrest or investigation by the Nigerian Police is purely within the jurisdiction of the security agencies, independent of any influence from the governor.
Governor Nwifuru strongly condemns the attack on Amegu Nkalaha and focuses on ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice. The governor, whose administration is anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, works closely with security agencies to enhance proactive measures to prevent further attacks.
“While Ebonyians are trying to be psychologically detached from the unfortunate incident, enemies of the state masquerading as online merchants and social media contractors have yet again thrown caution to the wind by alleging Governor Nwifuru’s involvement in the arrest of Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka, all in an attempt to distract concentration and temporarily halt the supersonic transformation of the state governor.
“What the social media agents have failed to know is that the same Igboayaka claimed responsibility for the attack by stating publicly that he knew when the attack was conceived and hatched, a reason he claimed to have, four days earlier.”
He urged the public to disregard any false narratives aimed at misrepresenting the governor’s role.
“We should commend security agencies for the timely arrest of Igboayaka, who claimed responsibility for the attack, to provide intelligence that will permanently end killings and other communal skirmishes in the future.
“The government of Ebonyi State remains committed to justice, transparency, and the security of its people.
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