The police authorities in Imo State have arrested Mr. Gerald Irona, a former Deputy Governor of the state under the immediate past administration of Emeka Ihedioha.
Irona’s arrest was confirmed in a statement by his media consultant, Destiny Ugorji, on Wednesday, who accused the state government of orchestrating his arrest over what he described as “trumped-up charges.”
The statement reads: “As part of its strategy towards weakening opposition in Imo State, the Imo State Government, Wednesday, orchestrated the arrest of the immediate past Deputy Governor, Engr. Gerald Irona, over trumped-up charges.
“Irona’s arrest came on the heels of a scheduled House of Assembly and gubernatorial election, fixed to hold nationwide on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
“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 Uzodimma is clearly behind it.
”Senator Hope Uzodimma must realise that power is transient, and nobody occupies the seat of power forever.’
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Reacting to the allegations, the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, denied the government’s alleged involvement in the arrest of the former Deputy Governor.
“Ask the police why he is been arrested, I don’t know anything about his arrest, ” he said.
Contacted, Imo Police spokesman, Henry Okoye said he would get back but was yet to do so as of the time of filing this report. (The Nation excepting headline)
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