From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State Labour Party Caucus in the National Assembly has strongly condemned the unwarranted media attacks on Rev. Fr. Ebube Muonso (Fr. Obinma), a vocal Christian cleric, by officials of the Anambra state government.
The condemnation was contained in statement was sgned by the eighth
Labour Party National Assembly Caucus(Anambra State) including, Sen Victor Umeh, Sen Tony Nwoye, Hon. Ozodinobi George, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Hon. Idu Godwin Emeka, Hon. Professor Lilian Oroegbu, Hon Aniekwe Peter and Hon. Uchenna Harris Annie-Okonkwo.
The federal lawmakers noted that the attacks were sparked by Fr. Obinma’s comments on the alarming insecurity in the state.
They expressed worry that rather than engaging in unhelpful media war with individuals who speak out about the horrendous insecurity in the state, the government should rather focus on addressing the rising and alarming incidents of kidnapping, killings, and destruction, which is becoming a daily occurrence in the state.
They emphasized that the current situation demands “sober reflection” and tangible actions to protect the lives of innocent citizens.
The lawmakers disclosed that several individuals, including their colleague Hon. Justice Azuka (representing Onitsha North Constituency 1), Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, two Reverend Sisters, and many others, remain in captivity, while the state government look on in bewilderment.
This highlights the urgent need for the state government to take decisive action to address the growing insecurity crisis.
The statement read: “The attention of Labour Party National Assembly Caucus(Anambra State), has been drawn to incessant and unwarranted media attacks by officials of Anambra State Government and their media warriors on Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma popularly known as Fr. Ebube Muonso for beckoning on the Anambra State Government and Governor Chukwuma Soludo to curb insecurity of lives ,properties and kidnapping incidences in the state.
“As we speak right now, our colleague and partyman, Hon. Justice Azuka representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 elected on Labour Party Platform, Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu , two Reverend sisters and many others are still in the kidnappers den.
“To be honest, we are disappointed and shocked by the approach of the Anambra State Government, that instead of taking note of the message of the man of God who should be commended for speaking out and possibly look inwards on how best to solve this security problem, they are busy attacking the messenger(Fr Ebube Muonso).
“We know as a matter of fact that immediately after this press release calling for sober reflection on how to solve this security problem, the hired media warriors and Anambra State Government officials will unleash on us a tirade and call us worse names than they are calling Fr Ebube Muonso. But, of course, that will not bother us because we are used to it, but we appeal to the agents and media warriors of Anambra State Government to leave Fr Ebube Muonso alone .
“We, therefore, call on Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to rise to the occasion and tackle this menace because security of lives and property is the primary purpose of government.
“As Legislators at the Federal level, steps are equally being taken on how best we can all collaborate to solve this nagging problem bedeviling our dear state.
“Once more, we passionately appeal to the Anambra State Government and its media warriors to leave Fr. Ebube Muonso alone and solicit for prayers from him and other men and women of God for solution to the insecurity challenge in Anambra State.”