The Labour Party in Abia State has revealed that Ceekay Igara’s arrest was based on allegations of impersonation and extortion. The party leadership accuses him of unlawfully claiming the position of state chairman despite a valid court order. Read more on the unfolding leadership crisis.
The Labour Party (LP) in Abia State has clarified the reasons behind the recent arrest of its South East Vice Chairman, Ceekay Igara, by security operatives, accusing him of impersonation and extortion. In a press release signed by the Acting State Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Nweze Oti, the party leadership explained that Igara’s arrest was based on a formal petition submitted to the police, detailing his illegal actions.
The party alleged that Mr. Ceekay Igara has been unlawfully impersonating the office of the State Chairman, despite having ceased to hold the position after his election as South East National Vice Chairman in March 2024. According to the party’s constitution, Ceekay Igara has no legal authority to perform the duties of the State Chairman, a role now occupied by Mr. Emmanuel Nweze Oti and his executive team.
The arrest follows Igara’s alleged refusal to comply with a police invitation related to the petition. The Labour Party also pointed out that a valid court order exists, restraining Igara and his associates from carrying out activities within the Abia State chapter of the party without the consent of the recognized state leadership.
While acknowledging the court judgment affirming Barr. Julius Abure as the National Chairman, the Abia State Labour Party expressed frustration with the Abure-led faction, which they claim has disregarded an appeal and a motion for stay of execution, continuing to impose a new caretaker leadership on the state party chapter.
The Labour Party in Abia reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace, calling on the public to ignore any attempts to politicize the arrest or blackmail the Abia State government over the incident.
