APC shocked as party official linked to kidnap, killing of Ebonyi ex-deputy gov’s father

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed shock at its member’s alleged involvement in the kidnap and eventual death of Francis Igwe, father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Kelechi Igwe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that confirmed information indicates that the party’s publicity secretary in the state was involved in the act.

The APC Chairman in Ebonyi, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, expressed the shock on Saturday when he led a party delegation on a condolence visit to Igwe’s family in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA).

Okoro-Emegha said the news of the party executive’s complicity was so shocking that he could hardly face the public.

“The report is unheard of, as I have not had the confidence to face the public in the past two days.

“Members of the party cannot believe that the party could ever be associated with such an act.

“We operate as a family to the extent that someone can vouch for another despite our normal party activities,” he said.

The party chairman insisted that the APC would support the decision of the state government on the matter in order to secure justice for the Igwe family.

“The governor, as the father of the state and leader of the party, cannot tolerate such an evil act, no matter who is involved.

“We condemn whatever is condemnable because whatever is evil is evil.

“All those who heard of the act and did not disclose it, as well as those involved at different levels, must receive the appropriate punishment,” he said.

He urged the deputy governor to take solace, noting that his strength would encourage others around him.

“I also urge the family and the entire community to be consoled because the deputy governor needs your support to remain strong.

“The worst thing one can do against God is to take a life that one does not know how it was created,” he said.

The Palace Secretary of the community, Dr Johnson Aloh, thanked the party for the visit, noting that the palace and the community were devastated by the incident.

Aloh regretted that such an act occurred in Ebonyi when the state had become a model among states and a haven of peace.

“Truly, it was earth-shaking when we heard that the name of our dear party was soiled by the actions of an individual.

“We, however, have the discerning spirit to differentiate the act of an individual from that of the party, as we know that the party can never indulge in such an act.

“We thank you for spearheading this fight and urge you to help ensure that bad eggs who want to tarnish the state’s image are checked,” he said.

(NAN)