The Labour Party has expressed shock over assassination of one it lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.
This is contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Obiora Ifoh in Abuja.
According to the statement the lawmaker was abducted on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 by gunmen while returning home on Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha and his decomposing body was found around the 2nd Niger Bridge on Wednesday.
“We are presently traumatized by this death and that of other deaths that have become a daily occurrence in Anambra state, a state that is gradually assuming a hobbesian status under the administration of Prof. Charles Soludo” Ifoh states
“We are pained because not long ago, the Labour Party candidate in the last governorship election in Anambra State, Obiora Agbasimelo was abducted while campaigning and as we speak, his whereabout is still unknown. Neither the security agencies nor the government could account for his disappearance and his family is left traumatized” he adds
The statement says government is about providing security for well-being for the people but that constitutional provision is lacking in Anambra State at present.
“It is unbelievable and unspeakable that a personality as high as a legislator could be abducted for over a month and the government was incapable of rescuing him”
“Though, information has it that the police has made arrests of some suspects, we are however calling for a proper and deeper investigation to unravel the real culprits. We are not by anyway suggesting political motive. That would be left for the security agencies to determine, however, we are not unmindful of the circumstances that led to his regaining his mandate after a court ruling ousted the previous winner, from another party who was initially declared the winner of the 2023 election” the party spokesman stresses.
The statement therefore calls on party members in Anambra State to maintain peace and allow the security agencies to diligently carry out their duties.
“We also encourage them not to be dampened by this unfortunate incident but rather remain focused on the activities ahead” he adds.
“On behalf of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, National Executive Committee and the state executive committee, we pray that the Almighty God will grant the deceased eternal rest”
It also condoles the immediate family and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
By Georgina Humphrey
