TheCable

The Imo state government says the “planned protest” by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is proof that the party lacks the integrity to win the forthcoming governorship election. 

In a statement on Monday, Declan Emelumba, commissioner for information and strategy, said the planned protest is an attempt to blame the government for the killings in the state.

Emelumba said the PDP is planning to recruit some miscreants for the protest and present them as relatives of insecurity victims, in order to blackmail the government.

“The PDP is now resorting to this barefaced falsehood embedded in hypocrisy as the last ditch effort to win the sympathy of gullible members of the society,” the statement reads.

“Government is therefore warning parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards lest they become victims in a proxy war of vendetta and greed.

“The administration of Governor Uzodinma will continue to do all within its constitutional responsibilities to ensure that nobody disrupts the peace of the state. It will also continue to discharge its responsibility of protecting lives and property.”

Reacting to the claims, Lancelot Obiaku, director-general of Imo PDP New Media, said “the allegation is not true”.

“As we speak, the entire Orsu and Okigwe LGAs are under the siege of terrorists and they keep claiming more territories unchallenged.

“Kidnapping, arson and killings have been on the rise unabated. This is enough to make Imo masses who have fled their homes and state, to cry out for help in faraway lands.”

Governorship elections will be conducted in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states on November 11.