Detention Sparks Outrage
The Enugu State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) condemns the recent detention of its candidate for Enugu South Urban State Constituency, Bright Ngene. Ngene was sentenced to seven years in prison on June 28, 2024, by the Enugu South Magisterial District, a verdict the party claims is based on politically motivated charges.
Party Alleges Bias
In a statement signed by State Chairman Casimir Agbo and Publicity Secretary Onuora Odo, the Labour Party decried the judgment, alleging that Magistrate E.D. Onwu acted under external influences. Furthermore, the party accused the magistrate of disregarding community protests and a pending petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) regarding his visible bias.
Call for Judicial Intervention
The Labour Party has called on the NJC to intervene and prevent further disgrace to the legal profession by compromised officials. The statement highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue to maintain the integrity of the judiciary and uphold justice.
Political Manipulation Claims
Additionally, the party accused the ruling PDP government of colluding with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate election outcomes in favour of Sam Ngene, the rival candidate. It claimed that the government resurrected an old land-related case against Bright Ngene as a strategy to stop him from participating in the upcoming rerun elections.
Public Outcry and Resistance
According to the Labour Party, the public has twice thwarted attempts to hold the rerun due to widespread resistance against manipulation. The party described the detention of Bright Ngene as a tactic to silence him and prevent his participation in the rerun, calling it a severe violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Appeal for Support
Consequently, the Labour Party urged the NJC, human rights organisations, and the international community to condemn this injustice and advocate for Bright Ngene’s release. Moreover, the party insists that the magistrate’s decision was tainted by political intimidation and calls for immediate action to rectify the situation.
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