Detention: No Credible Opposition Can threaten Nwifuru With Protest- Ex-Reps candidate, Aliuna declares

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

The former House of Representatives candidate for Ebonyi Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Aliuna Godwin, has dismissed claims that a proposed national protest could threaten Governor Francis Nwifuru’s political standing, describing the move as politically motivated and ill-timed ahead of the 2027 general election.

Aliuna was reacting to a statement circulating on social media, allegedly issued by a group identified as the Ebonyi Democratic Movement (EDM), threatening to mobilize citizens for a national protest over the alleged prolonged detention without trial of opposition members in the state.

The former federal constituency candidate questioned the credibility of the group and its capacity to mobilize a protest capable of undermining the prevailing political order in Ebonyi State.

He, however, maintained that his position should not be interpreted as support for the unlawful detention or ill-treatment of any Ebonyi citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.

Aliuna stressed that every citizen was entitled to fair treatment under the law, insisting that allegations of prolonged detention without trial should be addressed through appropriate legal and judicial channels.

He nevertheless condemned what he described as attempts to use political grievances to encourage criminality or mobilize citizens against constituted authority, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, any protest mobilization capable of escalating political tension, provoking confrontation or disrupting public peace should be approached with caution and subjected to lawful procedures.

Aliuna warned that the proposed demonstration, if pursued without adequate consideration of its implications, could heighten political tension, create unnecessary divisions and threaten the relative peace enjoyed in the state.

He argued that the timing of the purported protest raised questions about the intentions of its promoters, suggesting that the initiative could be connected to the emerging political calculations ahead of the next general election.

The former House of Representatives hopeful urged the alleged conveners of the protest to reconsider their position and embrace peaceful engagement rather than actions that could generate avoidable political confrontation.

Aliuna, an advocate of rotational governorship through equity, justice and fairness, also called on political stakeholders to respect the principles of fairness and inclusion in addressing sensitive political issues in the state.

He particularly highlighted the need for political actors to approach the debate over governorship zoning among Ebonyi State’s three senatorial districts with mutual respect, understanding and a commitment to peaceful political engagement.

The former candidate further appealed to political leaders, party supporters and interest groups to avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of widening divisions among stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

He urged those seeking the release or legal redress of social media critics, including Mrs Chinyere Nwele, former works commissioner, Stanley Lebechi Mbam among others, to pursue available legal remedies rather than resort to measures that could disrupt public peace and order.

Aliuna maintained that political disagreements should not degenerate into hostility, adding that the pursuit of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights could be achieved without undermining peace and stability in the state.

He called on the alleged organisers of the proposed protest and other political actors to embrace dialogue, lawful advocacy and peaceful democratic engagement, stressing that the interests of Ebonyi State should take precedence over partisan considerations as the 2027 general election approaches.