By Godwin. Akomah, Umuahia
UMUAHIA: The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned what it termed the unjust arrest of Dr. Max Nduaguibe, a renowned scholar and a frontline member of PDP Elders Council in the state .
Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force were said to have stormed the country home of the PDP chieftain in Mbawsi in Isiala Ngwa North LGA and besieged it as early as 4:00 am on Sunday based on what the party alleged as “frivolous petition aimed at silencing him and intimidating the good people of his Nsulu community.”
According to Eric Ikwuagwu, the State Publicity Secretary of Abia PDP, the shocking development came on the heels of alleged ongoing attempt by Alex Otti-led administration to forcefully deprive the people of Nsulu community of their ancestral land under the false pretense of constructing a Federal Government-funded airport.
The PDP in the state wondered why the Alex Otti-led administration abandoned the already acquired land with a valid C of O for the airport project and why
officers of the Nigerian Police were allegedly used to harass the opposition leaders and intimidate peaceful communities?
Abia PDP therefore, urged the police to resist being used as a tool for political intimidation, even as it also called on all concerned citizens of the state, civil society organisations, and the international community to rise against the actions, which it noted, threatened the peace, rights, and livelihoods of the Nsulu people.
“The Abia PDP wishes to remind the public that the previous administration had already secured land in Nsulu for the airport project. All issues with the host community were amicably resolved, and the necessary documentation, including a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), was procured in line with extant laws.
“It is therefore bewildering that the current administration has abandoned the designated and documented site, opting instead to forcefully acquire another parcel of land from the same Nsulu community. This is being done without revoking the previously acquired land or returning ownership to the original owners, an act that raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.
“The Nsulu community, known for their peaceful disposition, has a long-standing history of cooperation with the government. They willingly donated land for developmental projects such as the Nsulu Games Village, which previously served as the NYSC Orientation Camp before its relocation to Igbere in Bende LGA.
“As a predominantly farming community, Nsulu residents rely on their ancestral lands for survival. It is unjust and impractical to demand two separate parcels of land from the same community for a single airport project.
“The Abia PDP categorically rejects these unilateral and oppressive actions by the current administration. The arrest of Dr. Max Nduaguibe, an elder statesman and advocate for his people, is a blatant attempt to suppress opposition voices and undermine the will of the Nsulu community.
“We call on the Nigerian Police Force to resist being used as a tool for political intimidation.
“We also call on all concerned citizens of Abia State, civil society organizations, and the international community to rise against these actions, which threaten the peace, rights, and livelihoods of the Nsulu people.
“Abia PDP urges Governor Alex Otti to uphold justice and transparency by resolving this matter peacefully, using the already acquired land for the airport project or engaging in fair negotiations with the community.
“We remain committed to the ideals of justice, accountability, and the defense of the rights of all Abians. Abia PDP will not stand by while the people of Nsulu are oppressed, and we will continue to speak out against any actions that undermine the principles of democracy and fairness in our state.” Ikwuagwu stated in a release on Sunday.
…Police Confirm PDP Leader’s Arrest
Meanwhile, Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, has confirmed the arrest of Max Nduaguibe and taken to Umuahia by Police officers for investigations.
Fielding questions about the arrest, Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa said that the elder statesman was not hurt or intimidated.
He said, “These are issues of court and expert opinion as well. The Police has an obligation to investigate a case brought before her.
“The officers under my directive didn’t intimidate or hurt him when they went to his house.
“This I personally assured him. Investigation has been initiated. The outcome of the investigation will determine his culpability or otherwise.”
