The interim national publicity secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Prince Tony Akeni, has called full transparency and accountability regarding the handling of Ms. Precious Oruche’s recent ordeal at the airport.
In a statement released yesterday in Abuja, Akeni revealed that the video footage capturing the incident at Abuja airport has been thoroughly reviewed to shed light on the sequence of events, aiming to provide the public with a clearer and more accurate understanding of what transpired.
He explained that the incident began when Ms. Precious Oruche confronted Julius Abure, the Supreme Court-sacked former chairman of the Labour Party, questioning his continued involvement in the party after allegedly contributing to its downfall.
According to Akeni, the situation escalated when Abure’s brother, John Abure, verbally assaulted Ms. Oruche, triggering a heated exchange between both parties.
“According to Nigerian law and court judgments, the insults exchanged between the parties do not constitute a crime.
He said, “However, the situation took a disturbing turn when the Abures allegedly mobilised a mob of youths against Ms. Precious Oruche upon landing in Benin. According to Akeni, this act of physical aggression constitutes the real crime in the entire incident.
The Labour Party, he said, commends the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, for conducting a thorough investigation and for preventing the unlawful detention of Ms. Oruche.
The party also lauded Ms. Oruche for her courage and unwavering commitment to speaking out against bad governance in Nigeria.
Akeni called for a fair and impartial assessment of the incident, urging Nigerians to recognise and support the bravery of individuals like Ms. Oruche, who continue to demand a better Nigeria.
“The Labour Party stands in solidarity with Ms. Precious Oruche and condemns all forms of violence or intimidation against citizens exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression,” he added.
