Gerald Irona, who served as a deputy governor from May 29 2019 to January 14, 2020, is now waiting for judgement day after his arrest.
He was arrested at his home in Owerri, Imo state by the state police command.
A spokesman for the former deputy governor, Destiny Ugorji, confirmed Irona’s detention in a statement.
According to him, Irona had made the statement and complied with the bail requirements.
He claimed that the state administration was pressuring him to remain in custody until after this weekend’s election.
“Imo State Government, on Wednesday, organised the arrest of the immediately preceding Deputy Governor, Gerald Irona, on fabricated charges, as part of its plan towards weakening opposition in Imo State.
Media Assistant Statement On The Arrest
“Irona arrest happened shortly after the National House of Assembly and governorship elections that were supposed to take place on March 11, 2023 was postponed.
“As at the time of this announcement, the former Deputy Governor had provided the police with his Statement, a bail bond had been issued, signed and all bail requirements had been met”.
There is a twist, though. Allegedly under pressure from the Imo State Government House, the State Police command purportedly ordered the detention of the former Deputy Governor until after Saturday’s election.
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“Let it be known to Nigerians and the entire world that the reason behind former Deputy Governor Gerald Irona’s arrest on Wednesday was obviously political, and that Governor Hope Uzodinma was directly involved.
“Senator Hope Uzodinma needs to understand that positions of authority change over time and that no one holds them permanently.
“Nigerians must mobilise in opposition to Imo State’s fascist government.
“Let it be known that no amount of intimidation will prevent the unpopular Hope Uzodinma-led government in Imo State from suffering yet another loss in the election on Saturday”.
In the meantime, the presiding magistrate, C. N Ezerioha, after hearing the prosecution counsel and defence counsel, ordered that Irona be remanded in Owerri correctional centre.
She further said that the court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter.