Imo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that Mr Uche Nwosu, a former governorship candidate in the state, was lawfully arrested rather than abducted.
This is contained in a release signed by the APC publicity secretary, Mr Cajetan Duke, and made available to newsmen in Owerri on Monday.
Duke described the law as not being a respecter of any individual, noting that refusal to honour genuine and lawful police invitation could warrant forceful arrest to bring an individual to book.
He added that the APC in Imo, led by Mr MacDonald Ebere, would not condone “acrimonious rantings” that point to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s inability to manage the security situation in Imo.
He advised Nigerians, especially social media handlers, to desist from peddling rumours and unfounded allegations aimed at defaming the governor and the state government.
“The APC staunchly supports the governor and government of Imo in their effort to restore sanity, peace, order and sustainable economic development in the state.
“As a party, we advise Nigerians to refrain from trite shenanigans and doomed efforts to link Gov. Uzodimma with self-imposed and merited predicament.
“We commend the governor for his equanimity, mature and honourable disposition in the face of rash provocations and rascality from persons intentionally working against the overall interest and wellbeing of Imo people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Uche Nwosu according to a statement issued on Monday by Chikezie Nwadike, his spokesperson, was released on Sunday and did not spend the night in the police custody.
He however denied ever being invited by the police prior to his arrest.
The statement reads in part; ”
“This is to inform the general public, friends and well-wishers, supporters and sympathizers that Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, who was abducted by security agencies while observing church service at St Peter’s Anglican Church Umunwokwe Village Eziama-Obaire Nkwerre LGA, has regained his freedom and released unconditionally. He never spent a night in their custody as every effort was put in place to get him out,” the statement reads.
“Recall the ugly incident that took place yesterday, 26th December 2021, at St Peter’s Anglican Church as security operatives swooped him inside the church during the outing service of his mother’s burial and whisked him away amidst sporadic shootings and harassment of the congregation.
“I have spoken with him and he extended his greetings to all of us out there. While we await a Police report on the reasons for the abduction and arrest, we call on everyone to remain calm and focused because God is in charge of the whole situation.
“Ugwumba Uche Nwosu is a perfect gentleman who has a great deal of respect for constituted authorities and has never for once caught up in civil disobedience. There was never an invitation and if anyone says otherwise, let the person come forth with evidence.”
