Imo Labour party Deputy governorship candidate, Hon Tony Nwulu, has demanded the unconditional release of broadcaster Mr.Chinonso Uba, popularly called Nonsokwa.
Uba, who works with Ozisa FM, Owerri, Imo State was arrested by Police operatives in a commando style last week.
Mr. Uba has been a major critic of the Uzodimma administration.
His arrest and detention had sparked widespread outrage across the State and beyond.
Reacting to his detention at Force headquarters in Abuja, Nwulu, a former member of the House of Representatives, said Mr. Uba’s arrest is uncalled for and an over kill by the state government.
He said his arrest on the orders of the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is a clear indication that Imo State is descending to a place where those who hold contrary views to that of the government, are molested and suppressed.
“This is a clear case of suppression of the right to free speech as enshrined in the Constitution and a deliberate attempt by the governor to gag the press ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Imo State
“With Nonsokwa’s arrest, it is very clear that Imo State is descending to a place where gestapo treatment is given those in opposition, particularly those who oppose the worsening insecurity and poor governance in the State” he said.
Nwulu called on the Nigeria Police Force, not to allow itself to become a plaything in the hands of those in authority by arresting and detaining those who hold contray opinions of those in power.
He assured that the Labour party led by its governorship candidate, Senator Athan Achonu and himself, would emerge victorious in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the State.
“We would end this tryanny in Imo State. Come November 11, we would take back our State from the grip of those who have inflicted pain and misery on our people” Nwulu fired.