By Isaac Mission
The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for an independent investigation into an alleged attack on members of the party during a ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The party made the demand in a petition dated September 14 and addressed to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), INTERPOL, the United Nations and other international organisations.
The petition followed an emergency meeting convened by the NDC State Chairman, Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta, after the alleged incident.
According to the opposition party, the incident occurred during a ward meeting in Obuoffia, which it identified as the home ward of its governorship candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa.
The NDC alleged that several people sustained injuries during the incident, including its Ward Chairman, Madueke Ngene; Youth Leader, Maduka Ngene; a community member, Victor Onovo; and Councillor Donald Onovo.
The party described the reported incident as an attack on political participation and peaceful assembly, urging security agencies to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
The NDC alleged that a man identified as Mr. Odogwu, whom it described as a Senior Special Assistant to the Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, was involved in the incident.
It called on the police and other relevant authorities to independently investigate the allegation and determine whether the persons named in the petition played any role.
The party further alleged that similar disruptions had occurred during political gatherings in other parts of the state. It specifically referred to reported disruptions at PDP ward meetings in Akpugo and Obe, which it said should be investigated as part of a wider assessment of political tensions in the state.
The NDC also raised questions over an alleged interaction between the Nkanu West council chairman and individuals described by the party as suspects. It claimed the chairman visited the airport to receive them and took photographs with them after one of the individuals had reportedly been questioned by security operatives.
The party said the circumstances surrounding the alleged interaction should also be examined by the appropriate authorities.
However, the petition, as reported, did not include independent evidence establishing the allegations against the individuals named by the NDC.
The opposition party urged the Inspector-General of Police, DSS and INTERPOL to investigate the reported attack and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with Nigerian law.
It also appealed to international organisations and diplomatic missions, including the United States Embassy, British High Commission, European Union, African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Secretariat and United Nations human-rights bodies, to monitor developments in Enugu.
Among other requests, the NDC called for possible travel or visa restrictions against individuals who may ultimately be established to have participated in political violence.
The party also placed responsibility for protecting opposition members and political activities on the state’s political leadership, warning against further incidents.
The NDC said its governorship candidate, Ohaa, who is currently outside the country on an official assignment, remained committed to political participation despite the reported incident.
The party quoted Ohaa as saying that political authority should be based on public trust and service rather than intimidation.
Meanwhile, the NDC State Secretary, Hon. Nebo Chukwujekwu Emmanuel, appealed against any escalation of political tensions, saying political disagreements should not deprive residents of their constitutional rights.
The party reiterated its demand for justice, accountability and adequate protection for political gatherings and opposition members across Enugu State.