A prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie, has issued a sharp call to the state’s police command, demanding better protection for opposition members and the press. This plea follows a chaotic scene at a rally in Ikwuator village, located in Ezza South Local Government Area, where a gathering intended for political discourse turned into a site of destruction and violence.
The trouble began when a group of suspected thugs allegedly swarmed the venue, wreaking havoc on the equipment. The report highlights that the attackers didn’t just target the party faithful; they also turned their aggression toward journalists who were on the ground to document the proceedings. This incident has since drawn condemnation from various quarters, including the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, which has expressed deep concern over the safety of its members operating in the state’s political climate.
Barrister Nworie, who made headlines recently by returning to the PDP fold after a brief stint with the ruling All Progressives Congress, claims the disruption was not a random act. He alleges that over 50 individuals were mobilized to break up the rally, destroying canopies, chairs, and other logistics in the process. He has pointed an accusing finger at the ruling party in the state, suggesting a coordinated effort to stifle opposition activities.
One of the most contentious aspects of the aftermath is the role of the security forces. Nworie contends that he had taken the necessary precautions by formally notifying the police command of the event ahead of time. He expressed frustration, alleging that officers were present at the scene but remained idle while supporters were being harassed and the rally was systematically dismantled. He insisted that his prior request for security was ignored, leaving participants vulnerable to the ensuing violence.
Records indicate that a letter dated July 31, 2026, was indeed sent to the police, outlining the nature of the event and the specific safety concerns held by the organizers. In that correspondence, Nworie noted that he had been receiving threats regarding his return to his former party, adding that he had sought police protection to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
However, the Ebonyi State Police Command has pushed back against these claims. Through its spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, the command stated clearly that it has no record of receiving any such request for security or any formal petition concerning the reported attacks. The ruling party has also distanced itself from the incident. The state chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, denied any involvement, emphasizing that the party remains committed to the peaceful approach set by Governor Francis Nwifuru. He argued that the APC has no incentive to engage in violence, suggesting instead that the disruption may have been triggered by private interests who were simply unhappy with Nworie’s political trajectory.
