The Labour Party’s leadership is demanding the immediate release of Ceekay Igara, its National Vice Chairman for the South-East, who was reportedly arrested on the orders of Abia Governor Dr. Alex Otti.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, the party expressed its outrage over the incident. Olorunfemi explained that Igara was attending a meeting with party leaders in Abia when police surrounded the venue and took him away without presenting an arrest warrant.
“The Labour Party is shocked by this turn of events, especially since it appears to be directed by our only state governor,” Olorunfemi stated. He expressed concern that Dr. Alex Otti, who had received the party’s support during the 2023 governorship election and whose victory they defended, has now seemingly turned against them.
Olorunfemi remarked, “We are baffled by the sudden transformation of the governor, who just months ago stood with us during our convention, yet now seems intent on launching a vicious attack on our leadership. He hosted an extended stakeholders’ meeting in Abia and subsequently formed a caretaker committee, presumably to undermine our authority.”
Following the court’s validation of Julius Abure’s leadership and the legitimacy of the Nnewi convention, the Labour Party had attempted to extend an olive branch to the governor.
“We are genuinely perplexed as to why he continues to destabilize the very party that supported him during his time of need. It is disheartening to witness him resort to outdated and oppressive tactics of political intimidation. It is often said that power does not change a man; it merely reveals his true character.
“We were misled by his seemingly compassionate demeanor, not realizing he was concealing a tyrannical nature. Therefore, we are insisting on the immediate release of Comrade Ceekay Igara from police custody,” he added.
Olorunfemi further urged that instead of keeping Igara detained, the police should charge him in court within the next 24 hours, as required by law.
