Joe Igbokwe paying heavy price for serving Nigeria — Idimogu

Hon. Jude Idimogu, a former two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, says APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe is paying a heavy price for serving Nigeria.

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

Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II between 2015 and 2023, made the assertion in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

He expressed concern over the reported vandalisation of Igbokwe’s residence in Nnewi, Anambra, saying the incident was not the first attack on the APC chieftain’s home.

“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.

“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 said every Nigerian had the right to belong to any political party, vote for any candidate and freely express his or her opinion.

“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?

“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.

He described the reported vandalisation of Igbokwe’s residence as unacceptable, noting that homes were built with considerable 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 appealed to the Lagos State Government and President Bola Tinubu to do more to support and protect Igbokwe.

“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 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,” he said.

According to him, authorities should not wait until something more serious happens before taking action to protect Igbokwe.

“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,” Idimogu said.

He also appealed to Igbo people to embrace peace and tolerance despite political differences.

“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,” he said.

Idimogu said political differences should not become a reason for violence, destruction or hatred, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“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.

Newsmen reports that Igbokwe is a chieftain of the APC in Lagos State, Apex Leader, Ndigbo in Lagos State APC and former Lagos State APC Spokesman.

Some criminal elements had reportedly attacked his residence in Nnewi, Anambra.

A similar incident occurred at the residence in October 2021 when suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attacked the area.