The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has accused opposition elements of using the cybercrime law to intimidate and silence Collins Opuruozor, Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media.
Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, the party’s spokesman in the state, raised the allegation while speaking with journalists at the APC secretariat in Owerri. He said Opuruozor had received an invitation from the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja to appear before its director over an investigation involving allegations of cyberbullying, cyberstalking and defamation of character.
Onwuasoanya said he suspected the petition was politically motivated and urged those behind it to withdraw what he described as a frivolous complaint. He argued that political disagreements, criticism and questions about the records of candidates were part of democratic practice, adding that anyone who believed they had been defamed should seek redress through the courts rather than use security agencies to intimidate political opponents.
He said the APC had allowed opposition parties to campaign and criticise the administration, including making what he described as uncomplimentary remarks about Uzodimma. However, he warned that the party would not remain silent if its members were subjected to harassment through security agencies.
The APC spokesman gave the person or group behind the petition seven days to withdraw it and seek what he called “civil” redress. He warned that failure to do so could prompt the party to respond, adding: “We put Imolites and the general public on notice that the opposition cast the first stone.”
