Labour Party calls for release of South-East chairman from police custody

The Labour Party (LP) has demanded the immediate release of its National Vice Chairman for the South-East, Ceekay Igara, who was reportedly arrested by the police.

According to reports, the call was made in a statement by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, on Saturday in Abuja.

Olorunfemi stated that Igara was arrested in Aba during a meeting with party leaders, when police officers surrounded them and took him away without presenting a warrant.

“The leadership of the Labour Party is in shock over this development, especially as it appears to have been ordered by the party’s only sitting governor,” Olorunfemi stated.

The party expressed concerns about Governor Alex Otti, saying, “The same governor we worked hard for during the 2023 governorship election and whose victory we defended has now turned against the party, acting aggressively.”

Olorunfemi added that despite the court affirming the leadership of Julius Abure and validating the Nnewi convention, the party had extended an olive branch to the governor, yet tensions persist.

“It’s baffling that he is now working tirelessly to destabilize the party that supported him when he needed it most. Resorting to political intimidation reflects his true nature,” Olorunfemi said, adding that the Labour Party was deceived by Otti’s earlier behavior.

The party called for the immediate release of Igara or, alternatively, his arraignment in court within 24 hours as required by law.