Ajuluchukwu-ese

I am deeply saddened and outraged by the unfortunate incident that occurred on 2nd November 2026 at Umuokara Village, Orba, in Udenu Local Government Area, where peaceful elderly men and women were reportedly subjected to tear-gas attacks by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. What happened in Umuokara is unacceptable, deeply disturbing and completely inconsistent with the values of a democratic society. I find it particularly painful that people who gathered peacefully to pray for their son, my Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Frank Omeje Okenwa, were allegedly treated as though they were criminals. These were fathers, mothers, grandparents and ordinary members of a community who came together in an expression of love, solidarity and goodwill. They were not carrying weapons. They were not threatening anybody. They were simply exercising their freedom to gather and pray. Even more disturbing are reports that the organisers had made the necessary arrangements for police coverage and paid the requested sum of ₦160,000 through POS, following the directive of the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Abraham Abrajas. Yet, the very institution expected to provide security allegedly became the source of fear and distress. I have been informed that several victims, including elderly citizens, suffered from the effects of the tear gas, with some requiring hospitalisation. My heart goes out to every affected person. I sincerely wish them a speedy recovery, and I want them to know that their pain is not being ignored. Let me state clearly: I will never accept a situation where the fundamental rights of the people of Enugu State are sacrificed on the altar of political interests. Democracy is not a privilege granted by those in power. It is a constitutional right belonging to every Nigerian. Every citizen has the freedom to support a political party, associate with a candidate, attend a political gathering or express an opinion without fear of harassment or intimidation. Our political differences should never make us enemies. An election should never become a licence to unleash violence on innocent citizens. The police must remain an impartial institution established to protect lives and property, not an instrument for suppressing legitimate political participation. Unfortunately, this incident comes against the background of other reported attacks and acts of intimidation against members and supporters of our party in Enugu State. Such developments are dangerous to our democracy and must not be allowed to become the political culture of our state. I call on the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, to urgently investigate this incident, establish the circumstances surrounding the operation and ensure that any officer found to have acted unlawfully is held accountable. To my brother and Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Frank Omeje Okenwa, and the entire Umuokara community, I stand with you. I share in your pain and condemn in the strongest terms any attempt to intimidate you for exercising your constitutional rights. To the people of Enugu State, I want to assure you that our commitment to the Rescue Mission remains firm. We are not in this struggle to create enemies, settle scores or divide our people. We are here because Enugu deserves better. We believe in a state where the government listens, where institutions serve the people, where the law applies equally to everyone and where no citizen is afraid to express a political opinion. I will not be distracted by intimidation, discouraged by threats or deterred by acts of oppression. Our mission is bigger than any individual, and our determination is rooted in the collective desire of Ndi Enugu for a better future. No amount of intimidation can permanently silence a people who have decided to reclaim their future. Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa NDC Governorship Candidate, Enugu State