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The leadership of the Imo State African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed shock over the reported unprovoked violent attack on members of the Imo State National Democratic Congress (NDC), allegedly led by one of the aides to the state governor, during a peaceful meeting of the NDC in Owerri, the state capital.
The party, which condemned the barbaric attack in its entirety, said Imo State is the common home of all and that people should not turn politics into a war.
The party called on the security agencies to investigate the attack and bring the culprits to book.
In a press statement by Hon. MacDonald Amadi, ADC’s State Publicity Secretary, the party said it received with rude shock and deep sadness the report of the violent attack on members of the NDC who were holding a meeting at Umuoyima Town Hall, Owerri, on Tuesday evening.
“According to eyewitness accounts, over 20 armed thugs in a fully loaded bus invaded the meeting venue, and unleashed mayhem on peaceful citizens. Guns, knives, and other dangerous weapons were used.
“Many were injured and properties including chairs and public address systems belonging to the NDC were destroyed.
“We condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms.
“We are all brothers and sisters. Imo State is our common home. Politics should not turn us into enemies.
“The blood of any Imolite is too precious to be spilled on the altar of ambition.
“The Holy Bible reminds us in Psalm 62:11
‘God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God.’
“Power is given by God, and to God alone belongs the authority to enthrone and dethrone.”
The statement further read,
“If the purpose of seeking power is to develop our state, to build our roads, schools, and hospitals, and to wipe tears from the eyes of our people, then there is absolutely no need to kill ourselves.
“ADC believes politics must be played according to the tenets of democracy — with ideas, with civility, and with respect for the sanctity of human life.
“Thuggery, intimidation, and violence have no place in a democracy.
“We urge all political actors, stakeholders, and youths in Imo State to reject violence. Let us debate issues, not attack persons.
“Let us campaign with our manifesto, not with weapons.
“For the ADC in Imo State:
“We will continue to uphold the rule of law and the fear of God in all our day-to-day activities.
“We call on the security agencies to immediately investigate this attack, arrest the perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure that justice is done.
“We also pray for the quick recovery of all those injured. To the NDC family, please accept our sincerest condolences,” Hon. Amadi stated.
