Member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has condemned in strong terms what he described as a coordinated attempt to suppress the constitutional rights of citizens in Imo state.
Speaking Tuesday during his endorsement rally by constituents as the consensus candidate for the 2027 election, Ugochinyere decried the alleged use of security forces to disrupt a peaceful and lawful political gathering.
“If I cannot lead my people to exercise their constitutional right of association, then I have failed in my duty. I swore an oath to uphold the law, and that law the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate.”
The APP chieftain called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by directing authorities in Abuja to rein in security operatives in Owerri, who are allegedly acting under instructions from high ranking security officials.
Ugochinyere raised alarm over reports that security agents opened fire on unarmed citizens, leaving several persons injured.
“Let it be made clear: I am a duly elected federal lawmaker representing my people. I am marching to commission my party office—an act that is entirely lawful. Since when did commissioning a party office become an offence? Since when did citizens gathering to express support for their representative become a crime?, he queried
He stressed that political mobilisation, party registration, and peaceful assembly are fundamental democratic rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
“We will proceed, though cautiously. We may slow our march, but we will not stop. Journalists and cameras are present, broadcasting live so the world can witness any act of provocation and identify those responsible.
“We state unequivocally: this rally will hold. It is organised to honour a representative freely elected by the people, and no act of intimidation will deter us,” they noted
The lawmaker further called on the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action, noting that the actions of security personnel contradict assurances of professionalism and integrity.
He noted that the march from Christ Anglican Church, Ntueke, to the party office is a short distance, but deliberately slowed to allow time for federal authorities to intervene and prevent escalation.
“We urge those directing these operations in Owerri to immediately withdraw their forces and allow citizens to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully.”
Ugochinyere reaffirmed that the right to peaceful assembly and association remains non-negotiable.
“To those who claim popularity yet panic at peaceful gatherings, we say this: meet us at the polls. Democracy provides the platform for contest, not suppression,” he added.