- The All Progressives Congress expressed shock after reports linked one of its members to the kidnapping and death of Francis Igwe, father of the former Ebonyi deputy governor
- Confirmed accounts allege that the party’s publicity secretary in Ebonyi was involved in the incident, sparking widespread condemnation
- The APC chairman in the state, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, described the news as “unheard of,” adding that the party could not be associated with such an act
- The party pledged support for the state government’s efforts to ensure justice for the Igwe family and condemned all forms of wrongdoing
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed shock over reports implicating one of its members in the kidnapping and subsequent death of HRH Francis Igwe, father of Ebonyi’s former deputy governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that confirmed accounts indicate the party’s publicity secretary in the state was involved in the incident.
APC Chairman in Ebonyi, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, expressed his dismay on Saturday during a condolence visit to the Igwe family in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA).
“The report is unheard of, as I do not have the confidence to face the public since the past two days. Members of the party cannot believe in their entire lives that the party can be associated with such an act. We operate as a family to the extent that someone can vouch for another despite our normal party activities,” he said.
Okoro-Emegha stressed that the party would support the state government’s efforts to ensure justice for the Igwe family.
“The governor, as the father of the state and leader of the party, cannot tolerate such an evil act no matter who is involved.
“We condemn whatever is condemnable, as whatever is evil is evil. All those who heard of the act and did not disclose it, among other levels of involvement, must receive equal measure of what they deserve,” he said.
He also offered words of encouragement to the family and community.
“I also urge the family and entire community to be consoled because the deputy governor needs your solace to be strong. The worst thing one can do against God is to take a life that you do not know how it was created,” Okoro-Emegha added.
Dr Johnson Aloh, Palace Secretary of the community, thanked the APC for the condolence visit, noting the deep sense of devastation caused by the incident.
“Truly, it was earth-shaking when we heard that the name of our dear party was soiled by the actions of an individual.
“We, however, have the discerning spirit to differentiate the act of an individual from that of the party, as we know that the party can never indulge in such an act. We thank you for spearheading this fight and urge you to help in ensuring that bad eggs who want to tarnish the state’s image are checked,” he said.