APP condemns airport harassment after alleging Imo State agents restricted party leader Chima Amadi at Owerri airport

The Action People’s Party in Imo State on Tuesday condemned what it described as the deliberate restriction of its state leader, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, from using the private wing of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, accusing the state government of political intimidation.

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The party alleged that the action was carried out by agents of the Imo State government under the directive of Governor Hope Uzodinma, describing the incident as targeted harassment rather than a logistical oversight.

According to the party, the incident occurred on Tuesday in the presence of the member representing the Ngor Okpala Aboh Mbaise Federal Constituency, Hon Matthew Nwogu, who was on the same flight as Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi.

The Action People’s Party said it viewed the restriction as a calculated attempt to embarrass and intimidate its leader, warning that such conduct undermined democratic norms and political tolerance.

The allegations were contained in a statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Cajetan Duke, and made available to the media.

The statement said the party found the action both laughable and condescending, adding that Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi had always identified closely with ordinary citizens and was comfortable using public facilities.

The party said the move therefore failed as an inconvenience and succeeded only in revealing what it described as insecurity within the state administration.

The statement further claimed that the airport incident was part of a wider and worrying pattern of behaviour by the state government, pointing to an alleged attempt to disrupt a civic reception organised by the Ideato Nation in honour of Rt Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere.

The party said it stood in solidarity with citizens and advocates of democracy in condemning what it called the use of brute force against dissenting voices.

It accused the state government of resorting to coercion after losing public support and described the approach as a dangerous misuse of state power.

The statement also called on the government to redirect its energy towards addressing security, infrastructure, healthcare and economic challenges facing Imo State.

Despite what it described as a sustained pattern of harassment against opposition figures, the party said it remained resolute and would not be intimidated.