Enugu LP attack: We won’t resort to violence, says party

• HURIWA defends Ugwuanyi over involvement in attacks

Following recent attack on members in Enugu State, the Labour Party in the South East, yesterday, said it would not resort to violence, no matter the level of provocation, and called on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to ensure members of the party are protected.

Reacting to the attack, the party stated that the “act is sponsored by powers that be in the state.” In a statement by its National Vice Chairman (South East), Innocent Okeke, the party said: “ The attention of the Labour Party (South East) has been drawn to the constant attacks on members of the party and wanton destruction of party’s properties in Enugu by hired thugs.

“We have watched with dismay, but to the seeming delight of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led state government, several violent attacks have taken place targeting members of our party within the last two months. This is even as members of other political parties in the state, particularly, the PDP, are going about their political activities unchallenged and unharmed.

“Labour Party condemns this undemocratic action. Freedom of association is sacrosanct in our constitution, and the adoption of Peter Obi by the masses should not be met with brutality and harassment.

“The first attack happened on August 30, at Aninri. Another one on September 4, at Awgu and then the latest on September 24, at primary school station, Nomeh, Nkanu East Council of Enugu.

“In all these attacks AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons were freely used on our members. Cars and valuables were destroyed. Our findings revealed that the gruesome act is sponsored by powers that be in the state.”

MEANWHILE, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, explained reasons the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, could never have been involved in attacks on political opponents in the state.

The rights group’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, noted that Ugwuanyi is a man of peace, who has consistently committed Enugu into the hands of God.

The group, therefore, urged the people to disregard reports, insinuating that the governor is behind the disruption of Labour Party’s meetings in the state, whereas other parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), have been holding meetings peacefully in the state.

As campaigns officially start today, September 28, 2022, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), HURIWA cautioned politicians, who stoke embers of violence by recruiting youths as political thugs to cause havoc in the state, to desist.