Ex-Lagos Assembly Member urges Tinubu, Lagos Government to protect APC Chieftain

Jeremiah Adeshina

A 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 All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, in Nnewi, Anambra State saying the politician is paying a heavy price for his service to Nigeria.

Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023, made the remarks in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

Igbokwe is the Apex Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos State APC and a former Lagos State APC Spokesman.

Reacting to the reported attack on Igbokwe’s residence, Idimogu said he was deeply concerned about the development, noting that it was not the first time the APC chieftain’s home had come under attack.

“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,” he said.

According to Idimogu, Igbokwe’s political activities and his consistent support for Lagos State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the APC have exposed him to considerable pressure and challenges.

“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, and I appeal to the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to take steps to protect him,” he said.

Idimogu stressed that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to belong to any political party, support any candidate and express his or her political opinions freely without fear of intimidation or attack.

“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?” he queried.

He said disagreement with Igbokwe’s political views should not be used as a justification for harassment, violence or destruction of property.

“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.

“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,” Idimogu said.

The former lawmaker described the reported vandalisation of Igbokwe’s residence as unacceptable, stressing that homes are built with significant financial resources, time and sacrifice.

“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 consequently appealed to the Lagos State Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to do more to support and protect the APC chieftain.

“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 added that Igbokwe had continued to support Tinubu, the APC and the development of Lagos State despite the pressures associated with his political activities.

“He has continued to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC and the development of Lagos State despite the pressures associated with his political position.

“I believe he deserves greater protection, support and, where appropriate, assistance to address the consequences of these attacks,” Idimogu said.

‘We Must Not Wait Until Something More Serious Happens’

Idimogu warned that authorities should not wait until a more serious incident occurs before taking steps to protect the APC chieftain.

“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 Igbo people to embrace peace and tolerance despite political differences, stressing that political disagreements should not destroy relationships or create hostility within communities.

“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.

“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,” Idimogu said.

He further maintained that political differences should never become a justification for violence, destruction or hatred.

“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.