APP warns against plot to frame G60 spokesperson

The Action People’s Party (APP) has issued a stern warning to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ben Igwe, regarding an alleged plot to frame Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the Spokesperson for opposition lawmakers. APP claims the plot is in retaliation for Ugochinyere’s vocal stance on the political crisis in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by Uche Nnamdi and made available to journalists in Abuja, the APP, which is part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), revealed it possesses intelligence about the alleged plot. The opposition party alleges that influential individuals in Rivers State are orchestrating the plan to use the Nigeria Police Force to fabricate criminal charges against Ugochinyere, including murder, rape, kidnap, and gun running, in an effort to silence him.

“The Action People’s Party (APP) has received intelligence regarding plots by powerful individuals, including a former governor in Rivers State, who are displeased with the firm position of the vocal opposition lawmaker and Spokesperson for opposition lawmakers, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere. He has devoted his time and resources to exposing attempts to undermine democracy in Rivers and Nigeria as a whole,” the statement read.

The APP expressed concern over the implications for democracy if outspoken figures like Ugochinyere, who expose societal ills and efforts to weaken democratic governance, are silenced. The party called on the FCT Police Commissioner and the IGP to investigate the intelligence it has provided and to prevent any unit of the police from violating Ugochinyere’s human rights through trumped-up charges.

“We are calling on the CP of the FCT Command, Ben Igwe, and IGP Egbetokun to investigate the veracity of the intelligence reports and take action to prevent the police from being used to wage political war on behalf of powerful individuals against helpless citizens,” the statement continued. “Ugochinyere has consistently fought for justice and corrected societal ills since his days as a student and youth leader, activist, and politician. His advocacy and many battles in Rivers and Kano states are not targeted at individuals and should be protected for the advancement of democracy, peace, stability, and progress in Nigeria.”