The way and manner the Labour Party Secretariat at Owerri, Imo State capital was invaded by an alleged group of thugs on Tuesday August 29 could be described as a case of witch-hunt that holds no sway.

If the act was carried by thugs indeed, one would like to reason out if the action was really provoked or if it is just mere supremacy show-off by artificial muscle welding local thugs.

A quick peep into the action, still leaves one to wonder how such a brazen act could have been justified, by discerning minds targeted at a harmless, non obstructive and even a cynosure bound display of designs, on a quiet house at MCC Road, Owerri.

On the other hand, the alleged invaders, as seen on a personal account, were in company of noticeable security personnel working with a State agency. This, however, gives a broader view to what and where the matter skewed to: that a Party Secretariat was maliciously invaded, with alleged intent to desecrate and reduce to shame.
If I may ask again, of what gains or intent does the shame-game benefits the perpetrator?

It will also be imagined than believed by a discerning mind that the gestapo-like approach to the act, if not for anything, signifies an effeminate-minded action laced with inferiority complex.
Of course, when a person feels inferior, complex would always set in, and subsequent actions would be guided by drunken-headed actions without mindful of consequences.

The broader perspective into the matter points that, whether it is carried by thugs, State actors or non-State actors, that there will be no justification to the way and manner a Party Secretariat was invaded and desecrated without proper consultation, dialogue or exhausted options for resolutions.

Secondly, there is still no genuine reason why a common mutual understanding should not play, even if it is politically orchestrated without seeking a proper attention from the defaulting opponent to justify claims.

All these has become things to worry about within the political melee that is ensuing in a State already engrossed in insecurity. Just two months in hand to decide a new administration, adrenaline pumping and tension induced actions are seen on the side of the civil administrators who, ordinarily should be at the helm of safeguarding life and properties of Imo citizens, instead of being used as a tool in the hands of politicians.

The question I ask is this, if the current administration does not make it to Douglas House again, will the Agency that carried out this act bury their head in shame? Will they ever find space to explain the motive behind their unjustly act? Or would they disband themselves in a shameful exeunt?

Common sense should avail us the wisdom to discern what is right and wrong at the appropriate time. We must not forget that brotherly scuffles do not penetrate to the marrow. And if this is done without application of common sense, it then shows a case of brothers at war.

Consequently, the most interesting thing after the shameful act was that Labour Party members in Imo State, who should been screaming blue murder, applied the utmost decorum to show a pedigree they are made of.

On the same day, Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the resolute spirit of the Labour Party shone through, as key stakeholders from Imo State convened at the same Party’s Secretariat in Owerri, snubbing what could have created a feeling of grievance, but rather concentrated on important things.

Engr. Dikeoma Chibueze, Publicity Secretary, Labour Party, Isiala Mbano LGA in a statement noted that the meeting, attended by the Local Government Chairmen, General Secretaries, Youth Leaders, Women Leaders, Publicity Secretaries and LGA Organizing Secretaries, was an assembly of dedication and unity.

According to him, the gathering sought to disseminate crucial information regarding the recent acts of vandalism and destruction of signages that marred the Labour Party office at Wetheral Road, Owerri.

“Startlingly, these destructive actions were attributed to Imo State Signage and Advertising Agency IMSAA, affiliated with Imo State government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma,” he said.

He also mentioned that the Imo State Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Callistus Ihejiagwa, underscored that these acts were carried out without prior notification, casting a shadow over democratic principles.

Ihejiagwa decried that despite earnest attempts to seek common ground, the leadership’s efforts were met with obstinance from the IMSAA agents.

According to him, the most grievous blow was the wanton destruction of the party’s flags, such that he condemned the act as a blatant intimidation tactic, desecration of the party and an affront to democracy.

Another Labour Party Chieftain in Imo State, Hon. Dr. Geff Chizee Ojinika, denounced the actions unequivocally, while discerning a silver lining amid the adversity.

He saw the attack as evidence of the party’s growing strength and its potential to clinch victory in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

The National Youth Leader implored the attendees to channel the same energy that propelled Mr. Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the last general election, into their current efforts for Sen. Athan Achonu. The promise of Sen. Achonu’s positive impact on Imo State was reaffirmed, with the National Youth Leader urging everyone to remain “ATHANABLE.”

Another LP member, Hon. Sir. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, the Federal House of Representative Member for Owerri Federal Constituency, brought a ray of hope to the meeting. He commended the attendees for their unyielding commitment to a brighter future. He pledged substantial projects that would showcase the party’s commitment to meaningful change.

Meanwhile, in the face of adversity, the resolute Party members stood firm, declaring defiance against intimidation; remains unshaken by attempts at intimidation and will deploy the power of the Voters Card to replace the current government.

Ultimately, the LP members in Imo State stands firm in championing Sen. Athan Achonu’s course. The members affirmed their unwavering commitment to Sen. Athan Achonu, steadfastly working towards victory.