Ahead of Monday’s gubernatorial primary elections of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo state, a governorship aspirant, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has alleged that there were attempts to kidnap and kill him by some agents of the state government.
Uzodinma, who is the current Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly, made the allegations through the Director, Organisation and Strategy, Hope Uzodinma Campaign Organisation, Barrister Cyprain Akaolisa.
He said that it was only by divine intervention that Uzodinma was not killed on the night of September 29.
Speaking at a press briefing in Owerri on Sunday, Akaolisa alleged that the governor sponsored one of his men (name withheld), whom he described as Okorocha’s Man Friday, to perpetuate the act.
According to him, apart from Uzodinma, other notable members of the Hope Uzodinma Campaign Organisation were also mapped out for elimination.
Akaolisa said that on the same day, as early as 10am, hoodlums led by a detachment of police patrol vehicles from Imo State police command had stormed Okporo Secondary/Technical School grounds at Orlu where Senator Hope Uzodinma was billed to address his supporters at Orlu zone and destroyed canopies, chairs, public address system and vehicles set up for the event.
He said the residence of Nkechi Ugwu at Ogume, Ntueke in Ideato South local government area was attacked and destroyed while Chief Willie Okolieogwo’s residence at Nnempi in Oru West was equally attacked and his vehicles destroyed.
The DG also alleged that another chieftain of the party, Mrs. Josephine Nnogham was attacked and her vehicle shot at and windscreen shattered.
Akaolisa also alleged that the campaign vehicle of Senator Hope Uzodinma under the custody of Stanley Nwosu was destroyed.
He also accused the police of complicity in the attacks, while asking the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to redeploy the State Commissioner, Dasuki Galadanchi, for not being neutral in the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party in the state.
But Galadanchi debunked the allegation, saying that his role as a law enforcement officer was to maintain law and order.
Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, Galadanchi added that his actions were in accordance with the law.
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Rochas Okorocha, asked Uzodinma to keep Okorocha out of his travails.
He said, “Hope Uzodinma should go to court and face his trial for issuing dud cheque for which the court has issued warrant of arrest against him and leave Governor Rochas Okorocha out of his problem. Okorocha has a character . The character of high level political tolerance. We know those who have concentrated record of fraudulent activities.”
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
