A former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Gerald Irona says his arrest on Wednesday, March 8 over trumped-up charges is politically-contrived.
Irona pointedly accused the state governor, Hope Uzodimma of masterminding his arrest and refusal by police to grant him bail.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Destiny Ugorji, Irona revealed that he was refused bail after meeting all conditions following a directive from Gov. Uzodimma to keep him till after the Saturday, March 11 Governorship/ State Houses Of Assembly polls.
The statement reads in part; “As at the time of this statement, Wednesday afternoon, the former Deputy Governor had written his statement at the police, a bail bond issued, signed, and all the bail conditions fulfilled.
“There is however a twist, following pressure from the Imo State Government House, allegedly ordering the State Police command to detain the former Deputy Governor until after Saturday’s election.
“Let it be clear to Nigerians and the entire world that Wednesday’s arrest of former Deputy Governor, Engr. Gerald Irona is politically motivated and Governor Hope Uzodinma is clearly behind it.
“It is on record that a day before the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the home of the House of Representatives candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Hon. Kingsley Uju was invaded by agents of the State, after earlier attempts on his life.
“The CUPP spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere’s home was also severely attacked, lives and property destroyed, after a series of attempts on his life.
“Senator Hope Uzodinma must realise that power is transient, and nobody occupies the seat of power forever.
“Nigerians must rise to resist this fascist regime in Imo State.
“Let it be known that there is no amount of intimidation that will save the unpopular Hope Uzodimma-led administration in Imo State from another round of defeat in Saturday’s election”.
