Ihedioha suspends visit to Imo as PDP denies planning protests

Immediate past Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha has suspended his planned visit to the state in preparation for award congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

After weighing the options of possible breakdown of law and order by some persons, hiding on the cloak of his rousing reception, the State Police Command in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Orlando Godson Ikeokwu, and the Imo Elders Forum, chaired by Lemmy Akakem, addressed some journalists on Wednesday condemning the reception for Ihedioha, citing its attendant implications.

In a statement yesterday, Ihedioha, said, “It has come to my attention that the Imo State Government, issued a statement on my planned visit to Owerri. As most people are well aware, I haven’t visited the state since the Supreme Court judgement of January 14, 2020, and was planning to come for the PDP congresses. While I have in recent weeks elected to stay away from family and friends in Imo, I am not aware that I have been exiled out of the state.

“Unfortunately, the statement by the Imo State government, made several spurious allegations, including that I plan to lead violent protests and import thugs to perpetrate violence.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. I am not and have never been a violent person. My reputation is that of peace and fair play. I have never propagated or tolerated violence. And I never will.”

Besides, Ihedioha said that nothing would deter him from exercising his right to free speech and movement, stressing that there were plots by the Hope Uzodinma-led government to stop him from visiting the state.

Meanwhile, the PDP explained that it was only making preparations to receive Ihedioha, who planned to visit the state to participate in the ward congresses this weekend contrary to the accusation by the Imo Elders Forum that the party was planning to cause mayhem in the state.

But the PDP in a statement issued by its Secretary, Ray Emeana, insisted that the party and Ihedioha’s supporters would receive him any time he chooses to visit the state

“The attention of the Imo State chapter of the PDP has been drawn to a misleading statement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) wherein our party was accused of planning to destabilise the state.

Contrary to their false alarm, Imo State PDP is not planning any protest. That our party and its members are only making preparations to receive Ihedioha, who was scheduled to return to the state yesterday, March 12, 2020 to among other engagements, participate in the party’s wards congresses slated for Saturday, March 14, 2020,” it stated.