The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed shock at its member’s involvement in the kidnap and eventual death of HRH Francis Igwe, Father of Ebonyi former Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe.
There are reports that the state APC publicity secretary, Simbad Ogbuatu, masterminded the kidnap.
The Ebonyi APC chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, expressed shock and regret at the weekend when he led a party delegation on a condolence visit to Igwe’s family in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA).
Okoro-Emegha said the news of the party executive’s complicity was so shocking that he could not face the public.
“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 act.
“We operate as a family to the extent that someone can vouch for another despite our normal party activities,” he said.
The party chairman insisted that it would support the decision of the state government on the matter, in getting justice for the Igwe family.
“The governor as the father of the state and leader of the party cannot tolerate such 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 urged the deputy governor to be consoled because being strong would inspire consolation into those around him.
“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,” he said.
The Palace Secretary of the community, Dr Johnson Aloh, thanked the party for the visit, noting that the palace and community was totally devastated over the incident.
Aloh regretted that such act was perpetuated in Ebonyi when the state had become a model among states and a haven of peace.
“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 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.
