Member of House Representative, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has denounced what he described as the “systematic destruction” of his Christmas billboards across Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in Imo State.
The lawmaker spoke on Friday while receiving hundreds of supporters who visited his Akwokwa country home in Ideato South on a solidarity visit.
Ugochinyere characterised the destruction as “petty” and indicative of a “political spirit of intolerance” within the state.
“I paid for these Christmas billboards,” Ugochinyere said, adding that the billboards also bore the logo of the Action Peoples Party (APP).
He warned that similar acts of hostility in the past had resulted in the killing of one of his supporters.
The legislator questioned why “season greetings billboards” should provoke anger from, allegedly, the state government and its agencies.
He called on the Imo State Signage Agency to understand that “provocative actions often carry consequences for political stability.”
According to Ugochinyere, “intolerance, attacks and unlawful detention” played roles in the collapse of Nigeria’s previous republics.
He urged President Bola Tinubu, security chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police to pay close attention to developments in Imo State.
“I want the ongoing demolition of my billboards to stop because I paid for them,” he said.
The lawmaker also recalled the alleged sealing of a venue selected for a civic reception organised in his honour earlier in the week.
He questioned the deployment of heavy security personnel to block access to a “dusty primary school” venue that had reportedly received official approval for the event.
Ugochinyere warned that “overheating the security situation” could worsen instability at the national level.
“Imo has started locking up public spaces meant for lawful events, despite payments and approvals,” he said.
Despite the vandalism, the lawmaker maintained that his support base remained strong.
“My people do not love me because of billboards; I am in their hearts and minds,” he said.
On the political front, Ugochinyere disclosed that he was finalising consultations to exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He attributed the decision to internal crises, legal battles, leadership failures and what he described as the party’s neglect of his contributions.
“They treat us as if we are not important,” he told his supporters.
He confirmed that he had accepted resolutions from constituents to “sever the relationship with the PDP” in pursuit of collective interests.
Ugochinyere further announced that Chima Amadi and Mathew Nwogbo would formally join the APP on Dec. 31.
He promised to organise a “massive rally” to unveil his new political platform.
“We are exiting for good,” he said, unless a “magical” turnaround occurs within a few days.
The lawmaker emphasised that his allegiance was to his constituents rather than political party symbols.
He assured supporters that constituency projects would resume soon.
According to him, funding-related challenges had been addressed, paving the way for continued development across Ideato communities.
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