The United Progressive Party, UPP has condemned the arrest, manhandling and detention of the Orlu Senatorial zone aspirant of the party, Comrade Precious Nwadike.
The party described the arrest ugly development which signpost danger for the 2019 general election.
In a statement signed by Chief Ejike Uche (Dimkpasaa), Deputy National Chairman (South), he said it is unfathomable that a law abiding citizen would in the course of sensitizing the electorate on his well deserved ambition be treated like a common criminal in democracy.
Part of the statement reads “UPP in line with it’s agenda and determination to encourage active participation of youths in politics and governance of our great nation, frowns at any attempt to discourage such young persons from participating and showcasing their leadership skill and ingenuity. No doubt the perpetrators of the dastardly act are afraid of the rising popularity of the aspirant and would fruitlessly want to discourage him ahead of 2019 general election.
“It is our view and candid opinion that, the youths of this nation are too important to be good at and only used for election thuggery, ballot box snatching and other ignoble social vices, hence our passion for paradigm shift in view of the potentials inherent in our progressive youths.
“This is why we presented one of the youngest and most vibrant candidates in the last Anambra state governorship election, Osita Chidoka, who incidentally was the best among all the candidates that contested the election, except for the manipulations by those we describe as enemies of democracy, he would have been declared winner of the election.
“This, we intend to replicate in Imo by ensuring only credible aspirants win our party tickets for 2019 general election. It is our high expectation that Comrade Precious Nwadike would be a great asset to Orlu zone.
“We therefore condemn in very strong terms the attack on him while call on politicians to strictly play by the rules, as politics is not a do or die affair. Coming at this stage when he has declared his interest to contest as Orlu senator, is an indication that the powers that be are already jittery.
“As a matter of urgency, therefore, we urge the Inspector General of Police and Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, to thoroughly investigate the ugly incident and bring the perpetrators to book, if only to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to take undue advantage if the matter is swept under the carpet.
“It is unfortunate that the Nigeria Police Force has consistently aided and abated several acts of lawlessness, impunity, disregard for rule of law and other vices perpetrated by the authorities in Imo state that recently became notorious as a theatre of absurd.
“We also view the ongoing onslaught on Comrade Nwadike as a subtle attempt by some politicians who are already scared and frightened to stampede, harass, intimidate him out of the race.
“It is on this note that we challenge all lovers of democracy to rise against agents of despotism and oppression who may wish to use the security operatives to further perpetuate or foist themselves in office against the wishes and aspirations of the people.
