The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has raised an alarm over alleged intelligence received about a grand plot to frame Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the spokesperson for the G60 opposition lawmakers, with fabricated charges of murder, rape, kidnapping, gun running, and other crimes.
A statement from the CUPP stated that the alleged plot is reportedly linked to Ugochinyere’s stance on the Rivers State Crisis and his defence of democratic principles and intra-party procedures.
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The CUPP, representing all opposition political parties in Nigeria, issued a statement through its spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, and Secretary General, highlighting the involvement of a former governor of Rivers State. According to the CUPP, this former governor is displeased with Ugochinyere’s efforts to expose societal ills and attempts to undermine democracy in Rivers State, particularly the unconstitutional efforts to destabilise Governor Fubara and weaken the opposition.
The CUPP has urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police commissioner, Ben Igwe, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the intelligence and ensure that no police unit is involved in any plot to frame Ugochinyere. They vowed that if the allegations are true, they will not stand by and allow any harm to come to their colleague, whom they describe as the people’s messenger.
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The opposition parties emphasised that Ugochinyere’s pro-democracy struggles and advocacy in Rivers and Kano States should be applauded, stating, “The leadership of the CUPP received intelligence of moves by a former governor in Rivers State who is unhappy with the efforts of leading opposition lawmaker and G60 spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who keeps exposing plots to undermine democracy in Rivers and destroy the opposition parties, especially the PDP. Some PDP members with one leg in PDP and one in APC are using the police in FCT and headquarters command to frame the opposition voice with fabricated criminal charges to silence his voice and destroy his reputation.”
The CUPP’s statement continued, “The opposition leaders, after the central committee meeting, are using this public medium to inform the CP of FCT command, Ben Igwe, and IGP Egbetokun to investigate the authenticity of such shocking developments. If true, they should nip the plot in the bud to save the image of the police, as the opposition families in Nigeria will unite to resist and fight such a fabricated attack or alleged moves to frame one of the shining lights of Nigerian democracy.”
Highlighting Ugochinyere’s longstanding commitment to justice, the CUPP noted, “Ugochinyere has been a student and youth leader, an activist who has always stood out, fighting for justice and correcting ills in Nigerian society. He is also a ranking member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in Rivers State. His advocacy and many battles in Rivers and Kano States should be applauded as they are in defence of public interest, peace, stability, and progress in Nigeria.”
The CUPP’s call for an investigation underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of protecting democratic advocates from unfounded accusations and potential harm.
