The Labour Party (LP) on Thursday reacted to the assassination of its member representing Onitsha 1 North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka, stating that it was an indication that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo could no longer guarantee the security of lives and property in the state.
Azuka’s decomposing body was reportedly found around the 2nd Niger Bridge in Onitsha, a commercial city in the state, on Wednesday.
He had been abducted on Tuesday, 24 December 2024, by unknown gunmen in the city while returning home.
The national secretariat of the LP said it was traumatised by his death and “other deaths that have become a daily occurrence in Anambra State, a state that is gradually assuming a Hobbesian status.”
Reacting on behalf of the party, the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, stated:
“Anambra has fully assumed the state of war, where life has suddenly become nasty, brutish, and short because the present leadership has completely lost the willpower to enforce law and sanity.
“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 whereabouts remain unknown.
“Neither the security agencies nor the government could account for his disappearance, and his family is left traumatised.”
The party expressed sadness that, more than a month after the abduction of the lawmaker, he could not be rescued until his death.
“The whole essence of government is to provide security and well-being for the people; that constitutional provision is lacking in Anambra State at present.
“It is unbelievable and unspeakable that a legislator of such stature could be abducted for over a month, and the government was incapable of rescuing him,” the party stated.
The LP called for a detailed investigation into the incident, especially following reports that some suspects had earlier been arrested by the police in connection with the abduction.
It further stated:
“Although information suggests that the police have arrested some suspects, we are calling for a thorough and deeper investigation to uncover the real culprits.
“We are not, in any way, suggesting political motives. 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.
“We are therefore calling on all our 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 discouraged by this unfortunate incident but to remain focused on the activities ahead.
“On behalf of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, the National Executive Committee, and the State Executive Committee, we pray that the Almighty God will grant the deceased eternal rest.
“We also extend our condolences to the immediate family and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
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