Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has stated that everyone involved in the beheading of slain Labour Party Chieftain, Mr Zakari Maduka at Umuchioke-Ezieke, Akpukpa, Uturu, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the State will be brought to book.
He made this known when he visited the family of the slain Labour Party Chieftain over the weekend with the First Deputy Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa; Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, among other top government officials.
A statement by Chief Press Secretary Kazie Uko reveals that Governor Otti regretted the unfortunate incident and urged the bereaved family to take heart. ‘He said that the deceased was a committed party man, adding that the loss was not just that of the immediate family but of the party and the entire State.
The State chief executive, who noted that it is not easy to endure such a tragic death however prayed to God to console the immediate family, the Labour Party family, and the people of the State.’
He also directed the security agencies to do everything in their power to fish out the culprits.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the just concluded election, Mr Peter Obi had condoled with the family of Mr Maduka while urging Governor Otti to ‘rid Abia of all forms of criminality to ensure that this type of hateful dastardly act does not go unpunished.’
“I have been away to Bangladesh for an international engagement only to arrive home this morning, to receive with shock, and pain the very sad and ugly news of the beheading of a Labour Party Chieftain in Abia state, Zachary Maduka.
I condole his immediate family, Governor Alex Otti, the good people of Abia, and the Labour Party family. Such a despicable act remains condemned in all its ramifications.
I sincerely appeal to Governor Otti, in line with my avowed commitment to rid Abia of all forms of criminality to ensure that this type of hateful dastardly act does not go unpunished. I am sure the Governor and the government of Abia will be there for the family, and so will all of us the extended family members.
May God Almighty grant him eternal rest. -PO”
