By Martin Nwoko
A stalwart of the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Iyke Chilaka (Ochinawata) has applauded the Nigerian judiciary for leaving up to its expectations as the last hope of the common man by freeing Ambrose Nwaogwugwu who is the Imo State PDP Director General of New media and also the Spokesperson of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo after they were arrested and detained by security operatives recently.
Chief Iyke Chilaka who is an illustrious son of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA and a successful businessman in South Africa, disclosed this through a telephone chat with newsmen. He stated that criticism has always been part of democracy and that political office holders must learn to respect Freedom of Speech as enshrined in the 1999 constitution and FOI which are part of our laws.
It could be recalled that the operatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) had arrested the Imo State PDP Director General of New Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, over what it described as cyber crime against the state government where it accused him of causing deep disaffection between the Governor of the state, Senator Hope Uzodinma and the people through it’s write-ups and utterances that discredit the Governor.
The Founder and Chairman of Good Shepherd Foundation Global Chief Iyke Chilaka (Ochinawata) further described the freedom granted to the CUPP Spokesperson Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo, as victory for democracy in the country.
Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo on his part, was recently arrested by the Nigerian Police in Abuja following his allegation of graft against the House of Representatives infectious disease bill being championed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as an anti- people bill and one that should be jettisoned.
Speaking further, Chief Ochinawata reiterated that the release of Ambrose Nwaogwugwu and Ikenga Ugochinyere same day shows greater hope on the Nation’s nascent democracy.
He therefore called on all political office holders in Imo State and the nation at large to always put the rule of law first in all their dealings and avoid act that portray them as despotic against their perceived opponent because “a healthy opposition gives birth to a healthy society”.
The PDP leader also called for an end to incessant arrest and detention of citizens who speak out on the poor governance and leadership currently witnessed in the recent times in our nation, if only to ensure that the state and the nation moves forward.
