Abia Govt Intimidating Opposition – Lawyer Cries Out, Calls For Release Of Emperor Ogbonna

A legal practitioner, Barr. Perfect Okorie has accused the Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of attempts to stifle opposition voices in the state through intimidation, saying democracy does not thrive where opposition members are not allowed to speak.

In a statement obtained by ABN TV, the legal practitioner called for the immediate release of Emperor Ogbonna, a critique of the state governor who was remanded in prison custody under controversial circumstances.

“I call for the immediate release of Emperor Ogbonna Esq who was remanded in prison custody by a Magistrate Court Umuahia for alleged offences of Cyber Crime bothering on his criticism of some government policies in the state in the social media.

“The manner of the arrest, arraignment and remand is unacceptable as it is a clear indication of an attempt by the PDP led government in Abia State to silence opposition’s in the state using the apparatus of the government.

“We hereby condemn it and state that true democracy can only be achieved when opposition and critics of government policies are allowed freely air their views on issues as it certainly help to shape government policies for the benefit of the governed” he said.

All efforts by ABN TV to reach the Abia state commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu for a comment over the allegation proved abortive.