The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has declared a one-week suspension of campaigns, to mourn the four persons gruesomely murdered by gunmen during an invasion of the residence of the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ideato North/South federal constituency of the State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, at the weekend.
Recall that on Saturday, January 14, 2023, a motorcade conveying gunmen and arsonists stormed the residence of Ugochinyere, who is also the spokesman of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) at his hometown in Akokwa, where four persons were killed including his Uncle.
In separate internal memos, issued by the party’s state secretary Hon. (Nze) Ray Emeana, and titled, ‘Suspension of Campaigns for One Week and Visit to Security Agencies’, the party also resolved to stage a protest at the State Police headquarters and office of the Director, State Security Service (SSS).
Emeana explained that for the one-week mourning period, the party’s flags shall fly at half mast and all party faithful were enjoined to wear black arm bands.
For the protest, which will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 10am, he said the party’s candidates were mandated to come with 10 leaders from each local government area.
Of the memos dated January 16, 2023 and addressed to all party candidates, members and campaign council chairmen, reads in parts: “Recall the resolution the SWC and Candidates of the Party to with: To walk from the State Secretariat of the Party to the offices of the State Commissioner of Police and the Director, State Security to submit letters of protest. Note that all SWC members, all Candidates, all LGA Chairmen and Ten Leaders from each LGA will proceed to the above offices as follows. Attendance by all SWC Members, LGA Party Chairmen, Candidates and selected Leaders are MANDATORY and on time.
The other memo reads, “Suspension of Campaigns for One Week. In view of the attack on the Candidate of the Party in Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency and the gruesome murder of three members of the Party, the Party hereby declares one week of mourning and suspends all Campaigns for one week. During the week, all Party’s Flags shall fly at half mast, all Party faithfuls are enjoined to wear black arm bands. The Party during the period will protest in the strongest possible ways to all Security Agencies in the State. All Party faithfuls are further directed to maintain peace.”
