The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has sounded the alarm over an alleged plot by a highly placed actor in the Rivers State political crisis to frame Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the spokesperson of the opposition federal lawmakers group, with fabricated charges of murder, rape, kidnap, gun running, and other crimes. This alleged plot arises from Ugochinyere’s stance on the Rivers crisis, his defense of democracy, and his commitment to the principles of decent intra-party procedures.
In a statement issued by CUPP’s spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, and secretary general, the opposition coalition revealed that they received intelligence regarding moves by a former governor of Rivers State who is dissatisfied with Ugochinyere’s efforts. The spokesperson has been consistently exposing the societal ills and attempts to undermine democracy in Rivers State, particularly the unconstitutional attempts to halt constitutional governance, destabilize Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and hijack the soul of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to weaken the opposition in the country.
CUPP has called on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the intelligence and ensure that no unit of the Police Force, both in the FCT and at the NPF headquarters, is involved in any alleged attempt to frame the leading Opposition Lawmaker. They emphasized that if these allegations are true, they will not sit back and watch as one of their own, described as the people’s messenger, is harmed.
The opposition parties also acknowledged Ugochinyere’s pro-democracy struggles, advocacy, and battles in Rivers and Kano States. They praised his efforts, stating that it is the duty of every right-thinking democrat and party member to defend public interest, peace, stability, and progress in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, a non-governmental organization, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has raised concerns about the alleged privatization of water in Lagos State. CAPPA expressed grave concerns following statements made during the recently concluded Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC) hosted by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) from June 25 to 26, 2024.
According to CAPPA, the exercise of privatizing water in Lagos State could be detrimental to disadvantaged communities within the state. The organization is worried about the potential consequences of this alleged privatization and its impact on the accessibility and affordability of water for vulnerable populations.
The LIWAC 5.0 conference, with the theme “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos,” brought together government stakeholders and private entities to discuss strategies for improving water and sanitation services in the state.
As concerns continue to mount, it remains to be seen how the allegations surrounding the plot against Ugochinyere will be addressed, and whether the alleged privatization of water in Lagos State will be reconsidered in light of the concerns raised by CAPPA and other advocacy groups.
