Abuja: The Lawmaker representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has criticized the closure of a venue selected by his constituents for a civic reception in his honor.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, security agents, including the Police and Army, blocked the entrance to Isiekenesi Primary School 11 in Ideato South Local Government Area, which was the chosen location for the event.
Hundreds of Ugochinyere’s supporters and guests, displaying Action People’s Party insignias and holding party flags, gathered at the venue but were denied entry by a joint team of security personnel from the Police and Nigerian Army. Addressing his supporters at a different location, Ugochinyere condemned the action, describing it as unwarranted in a democratic society. He emphasized that the people of Ideato were merely exercising their constitutional right to receive their representative.
Ugochinyere revealed that his coordinators received a midnight text message revoking the use of all public facilities, which he alleged was a deliberate attempt to halt the civic reception. Despite formal notifications, over 100 police personnel were reportedly sent from Owerri to block the venue, he claimed. He called on the State Government to focus on rebuilding social amenities for the people, such as primary schools, solar streetlights, and health centers, noting that most existing amenities were provided through his personal efforts.
The lawmaker urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the activities of the Police Command in Imo to prevent a recurrence of such actions. He also sought the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, describing the situation in Imo as a threat to the nation’s democracy. Ugochinyere commended his supporters for their courage, strength, solidarity, and resilience despite the provocation.
Earlier, Chief Bonny Ebili, Chairman of the occasion, stated that the reception was about Ugochinyere’s personality and not political affiliations. Ebili warned against political crises, which, he said, hinder community development. Mr. Prince Opara of the Ideato South Political Forum praised Ugochinyere’s legislative achievements and assured him of full support for a potential 2027 re-election.
When approached regarding the incident, DSP Henry Okoye, Spokesman for the state Police Command, claimed he was not officially briefed and was unaware of the police’s role at the reception venue. Okoye promised to update the News Agency of Nigeria after conducting inquiries into the issue.