The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebonyi State chapter, has condemned the recent attack on journalists invited to cover an event organised by Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie in Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.
The State Chairman of the party, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, made the condemnation in Abakaliki while fielding questions from newsmen on the incident.
He disclosed that a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie, had organised a media briefing to highlight his resignation from the APC and his intention to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, “The journalists had been invited to cover an official ceremony organised by Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in his community.
“We have called you here today to address the unfortunate and unwarranted attacks on members of the fourth estate of the realm by political thugs.
“Today, we heard that these anti-democratic forces attacked journalists who were merely carrying out their legitimate constitutional duties.”
The PDP boss stated that vehicles were damaged and several people were assaulted with dangerous weapons, adding that eight persons were currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
“We therefore call on all security agencies to ensure that every citizen of Ebonyi State is free to exercise his or her civic responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution, including the rights to freedom of association and political participation.”
Igwe urged members of the party to remain peaceful and law-abiding, insisting that all parties must play by the rules.
The PDP boss urged the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and all other relevant security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and political activities throughout the state.
It is worthy to note that the journalists were attending the event in their official vehicle marked “Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),” when suspected political thugs attacked them.
