A rights group, Imo Advocacy for Good Governance has strongly condemned the repressive action of Imo State Government in clamping down against opposition voices describing it as an action that can come from only a failed administration.
The group made the comment in a press release it issued recently in Owerri and signed off by her National Convener/Chairman Board of Trustees, Apostle (Dr) Ken Nwanguma and chief scribe, Engr. Ikechukwu Opara and availed the Newspoint newspaper
The release described as unacceptable the government’s efforts of dishing out propaganda and falsehood to the citizens without tolerating the exposure of the bad governance, hardship and suffering imposed on the governed.
Some excerpts of the release run thus:
“In the first place we condemn the gestapo manner, Mr. Chinonso Uba was picked and prosecuted through a customary court the government knows has no jurisdiction or power to grant bail for the offences charged all in the effort to ensure that it gets harder on the radio activist by remanding him in prison custody.
“We frown at the arrest and incarceration of Uba before investigation negates the principles of due process. Appropriately there ought to be evidence pieced together to avert wrongful detention. Some of these missteps which lead to holding one beyond allowed period are what has bred public distrust in the police.
“The constant running battle between the Uzodimma administration and Nonsonkwa who is now a pain in the neck of the government is only a reminder that he cannot overwhelm the entire citizenry as the radio activist remains a strong voice of the people, and that Ndimo are aware of his failed performances
“Since the emergence of Uzodimma’s administration we have witnessed unceasing actions against the media and other opposition voices demanding good governance. We have not forgotten the experience of the Ideato Rep. Barr. Ugochinyere Imo who had a close shaves with death but remain undaunted. We must be reminded that no amount of attack can cover up its failures or close the people’s eyes.
“In the light of the purported resignation letter signed in advance we warn the council chairmen against falling prey to the antics of the government by returning the council funds to the state, a situation that not only defeats local government autonomy but frustrates development of the grassroots
IAGG which says she is a champion and advocate of good governance standing up for the people tasked the government to constantly do an audit of its performance through an honest independent survey so that it could feel the pulse of the people through the feedback that it gets.
They called on all other pro-democracy groups and well meaning people in the country to rally support for the outspoken social crusader.
