The Coalition of Non-Indigenes living in Ikwuano/Umuahia has raised the alarm over an alleged threat to the life of one of its members, Comrade Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie, reportedly issued by a media aide to the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha.
Okorie, who also serves as Media Adviser to the immediate past Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and APC candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, was allegedly threatened over his political affiliation and support for a candidate ahead of the forthcoming electoral contest.
Addressing a press conference in Umuahia, the Youth President of Ebonyi people living in Umuahia, Comrade Emmanuel Idime, condemned what he described as an increasing display of clannishness by Promise Nwokocha, a media aide to Hon. Obi Aguocha.
Idime maintained that any threat against Okorie should be regarded as a threat against all non-indigenes living and doing business in Umuahia.
He expressed concern that politics in Ikwuano/Umuahia had taken a disturbing turn, noting that non-indigenes had participated in several electoral processes in the area without experiencing intimidation or threats over their political choices.
According to him, Okorie is a law-abiding Nigerian who was born and raised in Umuahia and should not be subjected to intimidation simply because of his political preference.
He described the alleged threat, which he said was made on social media, as unacceptable and called on security agencies to take note of the development. He also disclosed that the coalition would formally write to the Abia State Police Command to register its concerns.
Speaking on behalf of the Yoruba community in Abia State, Prince Adekoya said he was born and raised in the state and had never witnessed such threats against non-indigenes during previous electioneering periods.
He insisted that anyone who had lived in Abia for between 30 and 50 years should have the freedom to participate in the political process, including supporting or contesting for elective positions.
Adekoya cited Lagos State as an example of an environment where non-indigenes participate in electoral activities, questioning why the situation should be different in Abia.
He called on the state government to urgently address what he described as growing threats and intimidation against non-indigenes, warning that such developments should not be allowed to become normal in the state.
Also speaking, the Youth President representing all states in Abia State, Comrade Chukwuemeka Igwuilo, described the alleged threat as demeaning to non-indigenes and capable of creating unnecessary division among residents.
Igwuilo said non-indigenes deserved an atmosphere of peace, inclusion and mutual respect, rather than intimidation and discrimination.
He expressed disappointment that such a threat was allegedly coming from a media handler associated with a serving member of the House of Representatives, particularly over participation in the electoral process.
The coalition consequently appealed to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Commissioner of Police to intervene and investigate the alleged threats against non-indigenes residing in Ikwuano/Umuahia.
They stressed that all residents, irrespective of their state of origin, should enjoy the freedom to participate in democratic activities without fear of intimidation, harassment or threats to their lives.
The coalition urged the relevant authorities to act promptly to prevent the situation from escalating and to safeguard the peaceful coexistence of indigenes and non-indigenes in Abia State.
