COSEYL Condemns Brutal Killing Of Ifeanyi Nworie In Enugu, Demands Immediate Justice.
...Says No political ambition is worth a human life; violence and intimidation have no place in a democracy.
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone unequivocally condemns the reported cold-blooded killing of a 43-year-old commercial bus driver, Ifeanyi Christopher Nworie, popularly known as Agima, who was reportedly shot at point-blank range during coordinated attacks on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship campaign flag-off in Enugu State.
In a statement signed by the President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, the group said this horrifying incident represents a grave assault on human life, democratic freedoms, and the fundamental right of every Nigerian to associate politically without fear of persecution, intimidation, or death.
"Let it be stated unequivocally: no political disagreement, ambition, rivalry, or affiliation can ever justify the taking of an innocent human life. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a battlefield where political differences are settled with bullets and bloodshed".
"COSEYL is deeply outraged that a citizen who should be entitled to the protection of the law could reportedly be killed in such a brutal manner. The loss of Ifeanyi Christopher Nworie is not merely a personal tragedy for his family and loved ones; it is a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of political intolerance and the dangerous erosion of respect for human life in our democratic space".
"Democracy cannot thrive where bullets silence citizens, where political differences invite violence, and where human lives become expendable in the pursuit of political power".
"We strongly condemn every act of political violence, regardless of the perpetrators' identities, affiliations, or perceived interests. No political party, individual, or group is above the law, and no one should be permitted to unleash violence on fellow citizens simply because of their political association or participation in a democratic process".
"The killing of Agima must not be reduced to another tragic headline that fades from public memory without consequences. His life mattered. His family deserves answers. His community deserves justice. And the Nigerian people deserve a political environment in which participation in public affairs does not amount to risking their lives".
"We demand that the relevant security agencies must urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and the reported attacks in Enugu State and anyone found to have participated in, ordered, facilitated, or otherwise bears criminal responsibility for the killing must be brought before a competent court and prosecuted in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation or social standing".
"The authorities must ensure that the circumstances of Agima's death are thoroughly established, his family receives appropriate support, and justice is pursued without political interference".
"Security agencies and relevant authorities must take concrete steps to protect citizens, political gatherings, campaign activities, and the constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly".
"Political actors and their supporters must unequivocally reject violence, discourage inflammatory conduct, and respect the right of every Nigerian to participate in the political process without fear".
"We further urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is transparent, credible, and free from political interference. Justice must not depend on the identity, influence, or political connections of either the victim or the perpetrators".
"COSEYL warns that the normalisation of political violence poses a serious danger to public confidence in democratic institutions, peaceful political participation, and the rule of law".
"When citizens are attacked or killed because of their political association, the injury extends beyond the immediate victim. It strikes at the very principles that allow a diverse society to coexist peacefully despite political disagreements".
"We will not accept a society where political affiliation becomes a death sentence, where violence replaces dialogue, or where the murder of a citizen is met with silence and indifference".
"Political power is temporary, but the sanctity of human life is inviolable. Elections and campaigns must be conducted through ideas, persuasion, peaceful engagement, and respect for the rights of others—not through intimidation, bloodshed, or the barrel of a gun".
"We therefore call on all political stakeholders, community leaders, civil society organisations, and security agencies to stand firmly against political violence and ensure that this tragic incident receives the urgent attention it deserves".
"The family of Ifeanyi Christopher Nworie must not be left to grieve without answers. His death must not be forgotten. Those found responsible must face the full weight of the law".
"Justice For Ifeanyi Christopher Nworie ! No To Political Violence! No To Intimidation!
Yes To Democracy, Human Dignity, And The Rule Of Law!
"COSEYL stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and all those affected by this tragic incident. We demand justice, accountability, and decisive action to ensure that no Nigerian loses their life because of political differences".
"A Democracy That Cannot Protect Human Life Has Failed Its Most Basic Obligation, the statement, read.
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