The Labour Party has expressed deep sorrow over the assassination of Hon. Justice Azuka, a lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party described the incident as a shocking tragedy.
Azuka was abducted on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, while returning home via Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha. His decomposing body was found near the 2nd Niger Bridge on Wednesday.
Ifoh lamented, “We are presently traumatized by this death and the rising wave of violence in Anambra State, which has become a dangerous Hobbesian environment under the administration of Prof. Charles Soludo.
“Anambra has descended into a state of chaos, where life has become nasty, brutish, and short because the current administration has lost the will to enforce law and order.”
He further recalled that the Labour Party candidate for the last governorship election, Obiora Agbasimelo, was also abducted during his campaign. Agbasimelo’s whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
Ifoh added, “Neither the security agencies nor the government has provided answers, leaving his family traumatized. The primary responsibility of any government is to ensure the safety and welfare of its people — a constitutional duty that is currently lacking in Anambra State.”
The party decried the inability of the state government to rescue the abducted legislator, noting, “It is both unbelievable and unspeakable that a high-ranking figure like a legislator could be abducted for over a month without the government’s intervention.”
Although the police reportedly made some arrests, Ifoh called for “a proper and deeper investigation to uncover the real culprits.”
He emphasized that the Labour Party was not insinuating a political motive but acknowledged the context in which Azuka regained his legislative mandate through a court ruling that overturned the previous winner from another party.
The Labour Party urged its members in Anambra State to maintain peace and allow security agencies to conduct their investigations diligently.
Ifoh encouraged party members to remain resolute despite the unfortunate incident and focused on future endeavors.
“On behalf of the National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, the National Executive Committee, and the state executive committee, we pray that Almighty God grants the deceased eternal rest,” Ifoh said.
“We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the immediate family and pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”