Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma on Wednesday denied instigating the arrest and detention of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Gerald Irona.
The governor, in a statement issued by his new media aide, Ezeafurukwe Ihunanya said the police simply executed a warrant of arrest against the former deputy governor.
He disclosed that the warrant of arrest became necessary after Irona refused to honour invitations by the police.
The governor added that his government does not interfer in the activities of security agencies in the state.
He therefore urged the opposition to stop peddling malicious rumours against him.
The statement reads;”The attention of the Imo State Government has been drawn to a blackmail being peddled by members of the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wherein they accused the State Government of attacking the ousted Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Gerald Irona.
“For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, Engr. Gerald Irona was severally invited by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Imo State Command, for questioning on an ongoing investigation unfortunately, he has refused to honour the invitation.
“Having obtained appropriate legal backing, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) effected an arrest warrant on the aforementioned in order to continue with their ongoing investigation.
“At no point was the State Government nor either of her agencies involved in the activities of the security agencies in the discharge of their duties.
“The general public is hereby advised to disregard the peddled falsehood by the opposition members who have mastery in blackmail and sabotaging of constituted system.”
