The Imo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the alleged violent attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a meeting in Owerri, describing the incident as an assault on democracy and calling for an immediate investigation.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi KSM, JP, the ADC said it received with “rude shock and deep sadness” reports of the attack, which allegedly occurred on Tuesday evening at Umuoyima Town Hall, Owerri.
According to the statement, eyewitnesses alleged that more than 20 armed thugs arrived at the venue in a bus and disrupted the meeting, using guns, knives and other dangerous weapons to attack attendees.
The party said several people sustained injuries, while chairs, public address systems and other property belonging to the NDC were vandalized.
The ADC described the incident as barbaric and unacceptable, stressing that political differences should never result in violence or bloodshed.”We condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms,” the statement read, adding that Imo people are united by a common heritage and should not become enemies because of politics.
The party maintained that politics should be driven by ideas, civility and respect for human life, rather than intimidation, thuggery and violence. It urged political actors, youths and stakeholders across the state to embrace peaceful engagement and issue-based campaigns.
Quoting Psalm 62:11, the ADC stated that power ultimately belongs to God and should not be pursued through violence. It noted that the primary purpose of political leadership is to improve the welfare of the people through development, not to create division or cause bloodshed.
The opposition party further pledged to uphold the rule of law, maintain peaceful political engagement and refrain from sponsoring or encouraging violence.
The ADC also called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged attack, arrest those responsible as well as anyone found to have sponsored the violence, and ensure that justice is served.
While wishing the injured victims a speedy recovery, the party extended its sympathies to the NDC, describing the incident as “an attack on democracy itself.”
The statement concluded with prayers for peace and stability in Imo State and urged all political stakeholders to uphold democratic values ahead of future political activities.
ReplyForward
Add reaction
