The Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechuckwu Emetu, has refuted claims that Kalu Mba Nwoke, the representative for Ohafia South constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, was kidnapped and taken on Saturday during the State’s Local Government Election.
This statement was made by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Governor, Mr Chukwudi Eke Mba who mentioned that the Labour Party lawmaker was arrested for allegedly storming the Ohafia local government secretariat in Ebem with a group of thugs.
Mba stated that the lawmaker reportedly attempted to intimidate voters and seize electoral materials during the incident.
He emphasized that the lawmaker, accompanied by thugs, tried to disrupt the electoral process by forcefully taking control of the materials intended for distribution to various wards in the local government.
The Chief Press Secretary addressed claims made by lawyer Etigwe Uwa (SAN) in a press release, refuting the lawyer’s statements that the Abia lawmaker was illegally arrested, assaulted, and taken into custody on election day.
Uwa had alleged that the lawmaker faced unjust treatment, but the Chief Press Secretary highlighted the circumstances surrounding the arrest, emphasizing that due process had been followed in response to the lawmaker’s alleged actions.
He also claimed that security agencies detained individuals under orders from Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechuckwu Emetu.
However, while clearing his boss of these accusations, the Chief Press Secretary stated, “Going by what transpired, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke intimidated the electorates he is representing by invading the local government Secretariat with over 50 thugs and forcefully trying to hijack electoral materials during its distribution to various wards.
“His arrest was lawful as he was trying to obstruct the electoral process which is a criminal offense.”
The CPS stated that there were no instances of political opponents being kidnapped before or during the election in Ohafia.
Recent reports indicate that the Ohafia South representative, a grassroots politician, was released by the police on Sunday.
Recall that social media reports previously indicated that the lawmaker was assaulted by the police, with his phone being destroyed in the process. He was then taken to an unknown location, fueling concerns and speculation about the circumstances surrounding his detention during the election period.
