The attention of the Enugu State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the able leadership of its State Chairman, Dr. Sir Martin Chukwunweike (Ozoigbondu), has been drawn to recent allegations by some opposition political actors linking the APC, its leadership, or the administration of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to an alleged act of political violence in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The APC Enugu State Chapter unequivocally rejects these allegations, describing them as misleading, unsubstantiated, politically motivated and inconsistent with the peaceful and democratic disposition of the Party and the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.
The Party acknowledges that political disagreements and robust competition are legitimate features of democracy. However, such disagreements must be expressed responsibly and within the bounds of truth, civility and the law. No political party or individual should exploit an unfortunate incident to create unnecessary tension, damage reputations or undermine the peace and stability of Enugu State.
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has consistently demonstrated a commitment to peace, security, law and order across the State. As a lawyer and Chief Executive of Enugu State, he understands the importance of protecting the lives and property of citizens while creating an environment conducive to development and prosperity.
It is therefore difficult to reconcile allegations of sponsorship of violence with an administration that has consistently placed security, development and good governance among its major priorities. The Governor’s record and actions in office, the APC maintains, should speak louder than political insinuations or unverified claims.
The Party also considers it particularly unfortunate to attempt to associate Governor Mbah with an act capable of undermining peace in Nkanu West, given his well-known ancestral and political connection to Nkanu land.
As a son of Nkanu, the peace, security, development and wellbeing of the people remain matters of profound importance to him. The APC therefore urges all stakeholders to refrain from making statements capable of creating division or portraying the Governor and the people of Nkanu negatively without established facts.
CALL FOR THOROUGH AND IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATION
The APC Enugu State Chapter calls on the relevant security and law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and professional investigation into the reported incident and establish the facts surrounding it.
The Party firmly believes that anyone found responsible for any act of violence or criminality should face the full weight of the law, irrespective of political affiliation, status or association.
The APC has nothing to fear from a transparent investigation and will continue to uphold the principles of democracy, justice and the rule of law.
APPEAL FOR RESPONSIBLE POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
The Party urges opposition political parties and all political actors in Enugu State to embrace responsible political engagement.
Criticism and political competition are essential elements of democracy, but they must not degenerate into character assassination, misinformation, inflammatory rhetoric or unsubstantiated accusations.
The APC equally calls on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding and not allow themselves to be provoked by rumours, misinformation or inflammatory political statements.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders are encouraged to continue promoting peace, dialogue and responsible citizenship.
The APC remains committed to supporting the development agenda of Governor Peter Mbah and believes that the progress being recorded across various sectors of the State must not be derailed by political distractions.
The people of Enugu deserve peace, security, development and responsible political leadership. Political differences should therefore be resolved through dialogue, democratic participation and lawful processes rather than confrontation or violence.
The APC calls on all citizens to remain united in protecting the peace, security and stability of Enugu State.
Nkanu West is peaceful.
Enugu State is peaceful.
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah remains committed to peace, security, law and development.
The APC remains committed to democratic and peaceful political engagement.
In Enugu, we say: Tomorrow Is Here
Signed
Chief Hon. Uche Obute (JP)
APC State Publicity Secretary
Enugu State
