From Fred Itua, Abuja
Political stakeholders, who are members of Worried Nigerian Citizens (WNC), have called on President Mohammadu Buhari to immediately declare a state of emergency in Ebonyi State over the incessant attacks on the rule of law and democratic rights of Nigerians by state actors
In a press conference addressed in Abuja by the convener of the group, Mr. Moses Idika, WNC reacted to the abduction of a former member of House of Representatives and Labour Party senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South in the forthcoming general elections, Hon. Linus Okorie.
According to the group, the criminal abduction of Okorie is just one in a series of similar flagrant infringements on the fundamental rights of Ebonyi citizens and residents.
The group enumerated a compendium of attacks on the media and anyone perceived as being critical to Ebonyi State government, its policies and programmes.
Part of the press statement reads: “Just Yesterday, the Labour Party (LP) Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South (Gov. Umahi’s main opponent) ahead of the 2023 general election and a former ranking member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Linus Abba Okorie was brutally and violently ABDUCTED in the broad daylight by a detachment of the Ebubeagu militia at Nnorom Street (close to the residence of the victim).
“Hon. Linus since his abduction by agents of Ebonyi State Government has remained incommunicado, his phones switched off, his car cannot be found. The government through the Onicha LGA Chairman, Chidiebere Uzor has confirmed the abduction and currently trying to frame him up as a drug peddler.
“The group, therefore, called on “all security agencies in Ebonyi State to swing into action, rescue Hon. Linus Abba Okorie, arrest his abductors in order for the law to take its full cause.
“That President Muhammadu Buhari in line with the resolution of the National Security Council resolution of Friday October 14, 2022, (Which Mr. President convened and chaired) which enjoined all Nigerian politicians to go about electioneering activities ahead of the 2023 general elections within the laws of the land, call Governor David Umahi to order to forestall the breakdown of law and order in Ebonyi State.
“That as an effective deterrent, that in line with the constitutional powers of Mr. President as enshrined in Section 305, (1),(2), (3, b, c, d, and f) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the President Muhammadu Buhari should without delay DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY in Ebonyi State as governor David Umahi has sufficiently proven his capability and determination to sink democracy and rule of law in Nigeria.”