The All Progressives Congress (APC) has conveyed its dismay concerning the reported participation of one of its members in the abduction and subsequent murder of Francis Igwe, who is the father of Kelechi Igwe, the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), confirmed sources reveal that the party’s publicity secretary in the state was implicated in this incident.
On Saturday, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the APC Chairman in Ebonyi, expressed his shock while leading a party delegation to console Mr. Igwe’s family in Ndufu- Alike, located in the Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA).
Okoro-Emegha stated that the news of a party executive's involvement was so unsettling that it rendered him unable to confront the public.
"This report is unprecedented, and I lack the assurance to meet the public following the past couple of days. Members of our party can hardly believe that such an action could be connected to us," he said.
He added that they operate as a family, where each member can vouch for one another amidst normal party affairs. The chairman insisted that the party will align with the state government's actions to seek justice for the Igwe family.
"As the leader of the party and the father of the state, the governor cannot condone such a malevolent act, regardless of who is implicated. We denounce any reprehensible activities, as evil is still evil," he remarked.
He also pointed out that everyone who was aware of the act but failed to report it should face appropriate consequences.
In his message of consolation to the deputy governor, Okoro-Emegha encouraged strength, asserting that showing resilience could provide support to those within the community.
"I urge the family and the community to remain strong, as the deputy governor needs your support to withstand this trying time. The greatest wrong against God is to extinguish a life whose creation is a mystery to us," Okoro-Emegha added.
Johnson Aloh, the Palace Secretary for the community, expressed gratitude to the party for their visit, highlighting that both the palace and the community were in profound grief due to the incident.
He lamented that such an atrocity occurred in Ebonyi, especially when the state has become a model of peace among others.
"It was shocking to learn that our party's name was tarnished due to an individual’s wrongdoing. However, we possess the discernment to separate one member's actions from the collective party spirit, as we stand firm that our party is not involved in such criminality," Aloh emphasized.
He thanked the party leaders for initiating this effort and called for vigilance against individuals who attempt to bring disgrace to the state.
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