Former two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Idimogu, has expressed concern over the reported vandalisation of the residence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, in Nnewi, Anambra State, describing the development as unacceptable.
Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023, said Igbokwe was “paying a heavy price” for his political activities and service to Nigeria, particularly his support for the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the development of Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, Idimogu said he was particularly disturbed by the latest incident because it was reportedly not the first time Igbokwe’s residence in Nnewi had been attacked.
“I am concerned about what happened recently to Engr. Joe Igbokwe, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
“Last week, his home in Nnewi, Anambra State, was reportedly vandalised. This is not the first time such an incident has happened, but the latest attack has prompted me to speak out.
“The truth is that Joe Igbokwe is paying a heavy price for his service to Nigeria, particularly for his political activities and support for Lagos State and the APC. The sacrifice is becoming too much,” he said.
Idimogu appealed to the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to take concrete measures to protect Igbokwe from further attacks, warning that authorities should not wait until the situation escalates before acting.
He stressed that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to belong to any political party, support any candidate and express political opinions freely.
“Every Nigerian has the right to join any political party, vote for any candidate and express his or her opinion freely.
“Why, therefore, should Joe Igbokwe be singled out for attacks, particularly by some of our brothers and sisters from the South-East?
“We may disagree with his opinions or political choices, but he has the constitutional right to express himself and belong to any political platform of his choice,” Idimogu stated.
According to him, political diversity is an essential part of democracy, adding that Nigerians should learn to accommodate differences in political affiliation and ideology.
“As the saying goes, we should not put all our eggs in one basket. Everybody cannot belong to the same political party or support the same candidate,” he added.
The former lawmaker also condemned the reported vandalisation of Igbokwe’s home, noting that the destruction of private property could impose serious emotional and financial burdens on victims.
“Vandalising a person’s home is unacceptable. Homes are built with significant financial resources, time and sacrifice. Such destruction can cause enormous emotional and financial hardship,” he said.
Idimogu specifically appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State Government to give greater attention to Igbokwe’s security and welfare.
“I therefore appeal particularly to the Lagos State Government and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to do more to support and protect Joe Igbokwe.
“Yes, he may have received recognition and honours for his service, but I believe the challenges and sacrifices he is currently facing require greater attention,” he said.
He noted that Igbokwe had continued to support Tinubu, the APC and the development of Lagos State despite the pressures associated with his political position.
Idimogu said Igbokwe deserved protection and appropriate assistance to deal with the consequences of the reported attacks.
“The sacrifice is too much. We must not wait until something more serious happens before we act.
“My prayer is that nobody takes Joe Igbokwe’s life because of his political views or affiliations. May God continue to protect him and give him the courage to stand by what he believes is right,” he said.
The former lawmaker also appealed to members of the Igbo community to embrace peace and tolerance, irrespective of political differences.
“To my Igbo brothers and sisters, I appeal for peace and tolerance. Whether we like Joe Igbokwe or disagree with him, he remains our brother and one of our own.
“People may disagree politically, and brothers and sisters may sometimes fall apart over differences of opinion. That does not make anyone less of a member of the family,” Idimogu said.
He urged those who disagreed with Igbokwe politically to allow him to exercise his rights peacefully, stressing that political disagreements should not result in violence, destruction or hatred.
“If you cannot agree with him, support him or work with him, please allow him to exercise his rights peacefully. Let us respect one another’s political choices and allow peace to reign,” he added.
Idimogu maintained that Nigerians must learn to coexist peacefully despite their political, ethnic and ideological differences.
“At the end of the day, we are all Nigerians, and our differences should never become a reason for violence, destruction or hatred.
“May God protect Joe Igbokwe and everyone facing persecution because of their political beliefs. May Nigeria continue to be a country where every citizen can freely express an opinion and participate in politics without fear,” he said.
Igbokwe is a chieftain of the APC in Lagos State, the Apex Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos State APC and a former Lagos State APC spokesman.
Reports indicate that suspected criminal elements recently attacked and vandalised his residence in Nnewi, Anambra State. A similar incident was reported at the residence in October 2021, when suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were said to have attacked the area.
Idimogu’s latest intervention is therefore a call for restraint, tolerance and stronger security measures to protect citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or opinions.
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