The Action People’s Party (APP) in Imo State has strongly condemned what it describes as the alleged restriction of its prominent leader, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, from accessing the private wing of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri. The opposition party asserts that agents of the Imo State government orchestrated the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, as an act of political intimidation. This development has ignited a fresh round of accusations regarding the political climate within the state.
According to a statement released by the APP, Mazi Amadi was prevented from using the private airport facility in the presence of Hon. Matthew Nwogu, the federal legislator representing Ngor Okpala/Aboh Mbaise constituency, who reportedly shared a flight with Amadi. The APP explicitly pointed fingers at Governor Hope Uzodinma, claiming the “political pettiness and intimidation” against their leader was carried out under the governor’s direct instructions.
Cajetan Duke, the State Publicity Secretary for the APP, articulated the party’s view, stating that the incident was far from a mere logistical oversight. Instead, the party described it as a “targeted and state-orchestrated action” specifically designed to harass and intimidate Mazi Amadi. This assertion underscores the APP’s belief that the event was a deliberate move within a broader political strategy.
In the official statement, the APP declared the government’s action “both laughable and profoundly condescending.” It further suggested that Amadi’s established persona as a “man of the people” meant the public wing of the airport aligned better with his character and commitment to public engagement. The party contended that the restriction served only to expose the administration’s “deep-seated insecurity and its reliance on intimidation and brute force as political tools.”
The APP maintained that this airport incident was not an isolated event but rather part of a “sustained and worrying pattern of conduct” by the current administration. The party highlighted a recent attempt by the government to disrupt a civic reception organized for Rt. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere by the people of Ideato Nation, presenting it as another example of what it termed political aggression against perceived opponents.
Standing in “solidarity with all Imolites and advocates of democracy,” the APP vehemently condemned what it labeled a “brute-force approach to dissent.” The party characterized such actions as a “reckless resort to political rascality and brutality,” asserting that targeting opponents with state power reflects an administration that has “lost the argument with the people and now clings to coercion.”
The opposition party did not mince words, describing the government’s alleged actions as “unequivocally, the grasping at straws of a drowning government.” It accused the administration of fostering a “sustained culture of political banditry and brigandage,” which it claimed had become the unfortunate hallmark of the present state government. This strong language underscored the APP’s deep dissatisfaction with the current political leadership.
The APP issued a firm demand for an immediate redirection of the state’s focus. Instead of “channelling state resources and energy into this barren pursuit of harassing opponents,” the party urged the government to address the “pressing needs of Imo State.” It emphasized that the people “yearn for and deserve good governance, not grudge-holding,” highlighting areas like security, infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation.
The party concluded its statement by asserting that the administration’s priorities were “dangerously misplaced,” particularly noting the energy spent on orchestrating political restrictions. Despite observing a “sustained pattern of harassment and outright suppression targeted at prominent leaders of opposition political parties,” the APP declared itself “undaunted and resolute,” vowing not to be intimidated by what it termed “juvenile displays of power.”
The APP called upon “all people of goodwill to recognize these acts for what they are: signs of a failing government.” Reaffirming its commitment, the party stated its dedication to the people of Imo State and to the principles of democratic engagement remains unwavering, signaling its intent to continue challenging the status quo.
