The immediate past Deputy Governor of Imo State, Gerald Irona, has been arrested by security operatives.
Irona was arrested on Wednesday, March 8, at his residence in Owerri, the Imo State capital, The Punch reported.
He is reportedly being detained at the state police command even after writing a statement and meeting bail conditions.
Destiny Ugorji, Irona’s Media consultant, in a statement alleged that the arrest was ordered by the Imo State ggovernment in an attempt to weaken the opposition party in the state.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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 station and fulfilled the bail conditions, including a bond. Yet, he continues to be detained.
“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,” Destiny said.
“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,” Destiny said.
Reacting to allegations, the governor’s Special Adviser on Public Communications, Collins Ughalaa, said that the allegation was “baseless and unfounded”.
Ughalaa said ”it is unfortunate that the ex-deputy governor’s spokesperson could make such an unfounded claim.
“The governor does not interfere with the affairs of the police. He respects the rule of law. The governor nor the Imo State government have no hands in the arrest of the ex-deputy governor.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.