The traditional ruler of Umucheke, Eze Ekene Obinali, has been arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command for allegedly posting uncomplimentary comments about Governor Hope Uzodimma on a WhatsApp platform. The arrest was made on Wednesday after Eze Obinali shared a critical write-up about Governor Uzodimma on a WhatsApp group platform called Ideato Voice.
According to Vitus Ezenwa, the administrator of Ideato Voice, the forwarded write-up titled “Gov Hope Uzodimma in a fresh scandal” focused on the role of late Ahmed Gulak during the 2018 All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Imo State. Ezenwa was the first to be arrested by the police, and he was later granted bail. The traditional ruler was subsequently arrested and is currently detained at the anti-kidnapping unit, Tiger base.
Eze Obinali is the ruler of Umucheke in the Umuobom community of Ideato South local government area in Imo state. The police arrested him for allegedly sharing a write-up that was critical of Governor Uzodimma on a WhatsApp platform. Efforts to get a confirmation from Imo Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, proved abortive as he said he was in a meeting.
The traditional ruler’s arrest has sparked outrage from members of his community who condemned the action of the police. The arrest is also generating concerns about the freedom of speech in the state. It remains to be seen what actions the Imo State government will take concerning the incident.
The he arrest of the traditional ruler of Umucheke over a WhatsApp post critical of Governor Uzodimma is causing concern among the people of Imo State. The incident has raised questions about the freedom of speech and expression in the state. It is now up to the authorities to take appropriate actions to address the issue and ensure that the rights of citizens to express their opinions are protected.