The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) on Monday accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and a former governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, of turning the state into a war zone.
The PDP spokesperson in the state, Ogubundu Nwadike, in a statement on Monday said the clash between the supporters of Okorocha and Uzodimma on Sunday at Royal Spring Estate, Owerri, was “disgusting”.
Nwadike spoke on the heels of the disagreement between Uzodimma’s administration and Okorocha who is currently the lawmaker representing Imo West in the Senate.
The statement alleged that the actions of Uzodimma and Okorocha were causing tension and apprehension in the state.
The statement read, “It is highly disgusting that the present APC government in the state has turned Imo into a terror zone and theatre of war and conflict. In recent times, Imolites have had the most tragic and excruciating experience ranging from the recent military invasion of parts of Orlu and Orsu local government areas, which caused insecurity and other forms of gruesome attacks, leading to breakdown of peace and order, and loss of lives and properties.
“The recent violence perpetrated by supporters of Senator Rochas Okorocha and Governor Hope Uzodimma has stirred up tension and apprehension in the state, thereby toppling the atmosphere of saturated peace and tranquility.”
Meanwhile, an Owerri Magistrate’s Court was on Monday thrown into confusion when one of the 14 aides of former governor, Rochas Okorocha, named Darling Ibekwe surprisingly lost consciousness and slumped while being arraigned before the court.
Candidreporters.com had earlier reported that the ex-governor stormed the estate with his supporters, policemen, soldiers and personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Sunday morning and ordered the unsealing of the estate which led to clashes between government officials and Okorocha’s Aides.
The Imo state police command arraigned 14 aides of Rochas Okorocha, former Imo governor, for allegedly causing violence in the state.
The accused persons brought before B. U Adikaibe, magistrate of court 4, Owerri, were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on disturbance to the security of the state and destruction of government seal at Royal Spring Palm Estate, Owerri, on Sunday.
Some of the defendants are Eberendu Chimechefulem, Ebere Nwoke, Basil Mba, Ebuka Samuel, Darlington Ibekewe, Obasi Goodluck, Nwaiwu Ndubuisi, Ekpendu Peace, Steve Anisnuobi and Ebere Nwokeobi.
M. A. Omo-Osagie, prosecution counsel, told the court that Okorocha’s former appointees, Lasbery Okaforanyanwu and Ijeoma Igboanusi were at large.
Uche Nwosu and Uzoma Anwuka, Okorocha’s son-in-laws were also said to be at large.
Upon their plea of not guilty, Eddy Onyema, lead counsel for the defendants, moved their bail application.
The court later granted all the 14 accused persons bail with N5m each amounting to N70m, which the court said must be fulfilled before they would regain their freedom.
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