Citypost News Desk
The Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Nkwoka Stanley Chigbo (Ochendo Idemili), has personally dismissed allegations by Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ibezi, who claimed that thugs linked to the council chairman were behind a purported assassination attempt that left two policemen hospitalized.
In a statement signed by the Mayor himself, Nkwoka Stanley Chigbo described the allegations as “unfounded” and indicative of what he termed a pattern of political opportunism and deliberate misinformation aimed at discrediting his administration.
The Mayor questioned Hon. Ibezi’s decision to attend an event at a venue that had reportedly been flagged in advance for potential security risks, noting that as a public office holder, he was expected to exercise caution and respect security advisories. He argued that ignoring such warnings raised concerns about the lawmaker’s judgment and intent.
Chigbo further alleged that Hon. Ibezi’s presence at the venue alongside unidentified armed individuals in non-uniformed attire heightened tensions and contributed to the situation. He described such conduct as irresponsible, particularly in a period marked by heightened security concerns.
Addressing claims that the incident was linked to a state-backed security outfit, Operation Udogachi, the Mayor maintained that any security intervention in a previously identified risk area should not be misrepresented as an assassination attempt without credible evidence. He accused the lawmaker of politicizing legitimate security efforts for personal gain.
The statement also revealed that Hon. Ibezi had acknowledged receiving a prior warning letter regarding possible threats. According to the Mayor, a more responsible approach would have been to engage relevant authorities, including the council leadership and security agencies, or to postpone the event in the interest of public safety.
He further argued that the failure to explore these institutional channels, while publicly raising alarm, suggests an attempt to create a political spectacle rather than address genuine security concerns.
Chigbo noted that the alleged assassination claim lacks substance and appears to be a calculated narrative designed to attract sympathy and tarnish the image of the council leadership.
He urged political actors in Idemili North to prioritize responsibility, coordination, and respect for institutions, warning against what he described as “theatrics and unfounded accusations” capable of escalating tensions in the area.
