By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Action People’s Party (APP), Imo State Chapter, has condemned the alleged restriction of its leader, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, from using the private wing of the Sam Mbakwe lnternational Cargo Airport, Owerri, by agents of the Imo State government.

The opposition party claimed the political pettiness and intimidation against Amadi was under the directive of Governor Hope Uzodinma.

The unfortunate incident, according to the party, took place on Tuesday in the presence of the member representing Ngor Okpala/Aboh Mbaise federal constituency, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, who shared the flight with Amadi.

APP viewed the attack as not logistical oversight but a targeted and state-orchestrated action designed to harass and intimidate its leader, Amadi.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke and made available to News Express.

Part of the statement reads: “We find this action both laughable and profoundly condescending. Amadi has always been and remains a man of the people; the public wing of the airport better aligns with his personal character and commitment to interacting directly with citizens.

“This petty restriction, therefore, fails as an inconvenience and succeeds only in revealing the administration’s deep-seated insecurity and its reliance on intimidation and brute force as political tools.”

It stated that the incident was not isolated but part of a sustained and worrying pattern of conduct, noting that it follows closely on the heels of the government’s shameful attempt to disrupt the civic reception organized by the enterprising and resourceful people of Ideato Nation in honour of their brilliant, illustrious, and performing son and representative, Rt. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere.

“We stand in solidarity with all Imolites and advocates of democracy in condemning this brute-force approach to dissent. Such actions represent a reckless resort to political rascality and brutality.

“Targeting perceived opponents with state power is the reflex of an administration that has lost the argument with the people and now clings to coercion.

“It is, unequivocally, the grasping at straws of a drowning government. This sustained culture of political banditry and brigandage has become the unfortunate hallmark of the present state government.

“Instead of channelling state resources and energy into this barren pursuit of harassing opponents, we demand an immediate redirection of focus toward the pressing needs of Imo State.

“The people yearn for and deserve good governance, not grudge-holding.

“The energy spent on orchestrating airport restrictions should be committed to providing security, rebuilding infrastructure, reviving healthcare, and creating opportunities for modest, dignified living. This administration’s priorities are dangerously misplaced.

“Though we have observed a sustained pattern of harassment and outright suppression targeted at prominent leaders of opposition political parties in the state, our party remains undaunted and resolute.

“We will not be intimidated by these juvenile displays of power. We call on all people of goodwill to recognize these acts for what they are: signs of a failing government. Our commitment to the people of Imo State and to the principles of democratic engagement remains unwavering.”

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