Attack on NDC Candidate, Linus Okorie Calls for Independent Inquiry, Cautions Council Boss Over Unlawful Acts

Hon Linus Abaa Okorie, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ebonyi South senatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections has condemned the violent attack on an NDC candidate in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

 

Okorie, a former member of the House of Representatives and one the key leaders of NDC in Ebonyi also called on Ebonyi State Government to liaise with relevant security agencies to investigate the incident.

A convoy of Mr. Rollins Offia Nwali, a brother to a serving commissioner in Governor Ogbonna Nwifuru’s government was attacked  by suspected political thugs on Thursday in Amaezekwe, a community in Ezza South LGA. The attackers burnt a Toyota Hilux van in Offia- Nwali’s convoy while two of the thugs reportedly lost their lives in the ensuing melee.

Reacting to the incident a statement he personally signed late Friday, Hon. Okorie condemned the incident saying that violence should not  have a place in the electoral process. He stated:

“I received with shock the account of the NDC candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rollins Offia Nwali, of an armed attack on his convoy while returning a campaign visit to Amaezekwe. By his account, gunmen opened fire on his vehicles and burnt his Toyota Hilux.

 

“I unequivocally condemn the attack. Violence, intimidation and the destruction of property should have no place in our politics. All candidates, supporters and citizens deserve to participate in the democratic process without fear, regardless of the political parties they affiliate with.

 

“I am relieved that Mr. Nwali and those travelling with him were reported safe, and commend the security personnel attached to him for their swift response and professionalism in protecting them. I, however, urge the security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and act proactively on warning signs across the state, so that threats can be aborted before lives are endangered.

 

“I am also saddened by reports that some of the alleged attackers lost their lives during the incident. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Whatever the circumstances, every life lost leaves a family in pain.”

“I passionately appeal to our youths to reject every attempt to recruit them for political violence. Let these reported deaths serve as a painful warning about where such involvement can lead. Nothing anyone may offer can equate your life and future. No political ambition is worth your life or the grief of your family and friends.

 

“The security agencies must carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into this attack. Everyone indicted, including anyone who may have organised, financed or sponsored it, should be promptly identified and made to face appropriate justice. Accountability must follow the facts of the case, without political interference.

 

“I also call on the Ebonyi State Government to immediately institute an unbiased inquiry into the incident, working with the relevant security agencies. The findings of such and inquiry, and the actions taken, must be made public. Such prompt response and openness will reassure citizens and prevent wild speculations from deepening tension.

 

Okorie further cautioned the Ezza South LGA Chairman who issued a public statement requiring all political parties to obtain a written permission from his office before holding political activities with the LGA.  Okorie who acknowledged the constitutional duty of the government to provide security for residents, however, noted that the Council chairman was overreaching himself as the Nigerian constitution and other relevant electoral laws expressly give citizens the freedoms to take part in political activities without any hitch from government or its agencies.

According to Okorie, “the public announcement by the Executive Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Mkpuma, requiring prior approval from his office for all political gatherings within the council area.

“I agree that it is the responsibility of public officials to protect lives and maintain peace.

 

“However, a blanket requirement that political gatherings must receive the prior approval of the Council Chairman is inconsistent with the freedoms enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the safeguards in the Electoral Act 2026. Section 95 of the Act provides for security at political gatherings and also protects parties and candidates from being prevented from holding meetings, rallies and processions for their constitutional political purposes.

 

“I urge the Chairman to withdraw this directive forthwith and work with the police and all political stakeholders on fair, lawful arrangements for public safety. Such coordination should be to protect peaceful participation, rather than making it dependent on political approval.

 

“I also appeal to political leaders, candidates and supporters across Ebonyi State to exercise restraint, and ensure peaceful conduct. We can disagree firmly, present different ideas and compete for public support while respecting one another’s rights.

 

“Our people deserve peace, tolerance and a level playing field. They must be free to listen, associate, campaign within the law and vote according to their conscience. Finally, at the polls, it is the people’s will that must ultimately prevail.”

At press time the Ebonyi State Government has neither instituted inquiry or issued official statement on the incident.

The Spokesman of the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, however, announced that the police has commenced investigations on the matter.