Rights activists under the umbrella of Imo Peoples Action for Democracy (IPAD) have lamented their ordeal during their maiden peaceful demonstration, describing the state as “a terror zone” and Governor Rochas Okorocha as “a full-blown dictator”.

They poured out their heart in a statement in which they vowed never to be intimidated and to mobilise Imolites to cripple the Okorocha administration.

Signed by Aku Obidinma (Coordinator), Marjorie Ezihe (Secretary Organizing Committee) and Chido Onumah (Member Organizing Committee), the statement reads:

“The Imo Peoples Action for Democracy (IPAD) wishes to inform the world that Imo State has unfortunately become a fascist state where freedom of expression and assembly is no longer guaranteed.

“We say this because of the ugly incident that happened this morning where the Imo State government used the police to brutally attack peaceful protesters. We peacefully commenced our protest this morning from Wetheral Road Roundabout in Owerri, Imo State, and were accosted by heavily armed policemen who demanded we stop because the commissioner of police did not approve the rally.

“We insisted that we must continue since the law did not say we needed his permission before we could embark on a peaceful protest. As we continued our match, the police descended on us and started beating up the protesters, firing tear gas, confiscated our placards and manhandled even the minors amongst us.

“Today is really a sad day for our democracy. Imo State has been turned into a terror zone. Governor Rochas Okorocha is now a full-blown dictator and he has as his accomplice the Imo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Ezike, who is always ready to do his dirty jobs. We are disturbed that the police who ought to protect peaceful protesters are the ones now used to attack law abiding citizens.

“We wish to inform the government and the police that no amount of intimidation will make us drop our agitation for good governance in Imo State. We will in no distant time mobilize Imolites for a massive protest that will bring the government to its knees.

“We use this medium to call on the police authorities and the Presidency to quickly redeploy the Imo State Police Commissioner out of Imo State as he has lost the confidence of the people of the state.”