The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has condemned the Police assault on the Young Progressive Party, YPP, councillorship candidate for Otolo Ward 1, Nnewi North LGA, Okonkwo Onyemaobi Kenneth, during the recent Anambra State local government election.
IPAC described the unprovoked attack on the lawmaker, including the use of tear gas to subdue him, as outrageous, barbaric and despicable.
“It is more pathetic as the candidate is living with disability and was in the polling unit to exercise his franchise,” IPAC said in a statement signed by Chinyere Kalu, National Publicity Secretary.
“Instead of being protected by the police, he was assaulted and dehumanized in an unwarranted show of force, and had to be admitted in hospital.
“Council condemns this police brutality, impunity and rascality, and calls on the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State command and the Inspector General of Police to fish out and sanction the perpetrators of the attack on Hon. Kenneth.
“There are no second class citizens in this country, Nigerians should be treated with respect and dignity particularly while exercising their civic duty.
“Police neutrality during elections is critical to the survival of democracy in Nigeria. They are deployed to polling units to provide security not to disrupt elections and assault voters and candidates of opposition parties.
“IPAC will take up this matter to ensure justice is served. Council has been in the vanguard for free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections. Participatory polls are the bedrock of sustainable democracy and development.
“Stakeholders in the electoral process should demonstrate patriotism and respect the mandate of the people. This is the only way we will deepen and consolidate the nation’s emerging democracy.
“Police brutality has no place in the electoral process. All lovers of democracy in Nigeria should condemn violence in all its ramifications.”
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