A group, Imo First Group, has described as total falsehood reports circulating online that a Magistrate Court in Abuja has issued an order to arrest Senators Ifeanyi Araraume and Rochas Okorocha.
The group said no such order was ever made, describing it as a hoax fabricated to blackmail two reputable sons of Imo State who have won elections clean and square.
“Purported Magistrate Court Order to arrest Senators Araraume and Rochas Okorocha is a hoax and never existed,” the group said in a statement.
It alleged that purveyors of the falsehood, in what it called their usual gutter politics, attempted to procure an ex parte order from a magistrate but met a brick wall.
“As usual, Imo politics, taken to the gutters, reared its head in a different dimension but was averted by a vigilant magistrate.
“The purveyors and harbinger of killing anyone who dares to speak the truth came in their guy man way to trick the magistrate via ex parte order but met a brick wall.
“The magistrate bluntly refused to grant their ex parte (motion) and threatened to arrest them, yet they carried their falsehood about,” the statement said.
Imo First Group challenged those behind the report to produce the court order or warrant of arrest, insisting that none exists.
“We challenge anyone in this macabre dance to show the court order or warrant of arrest. It’s preposterous to blackmail decent Imo sons on the altar of dirty politics,” it said.
The group took a swipe at the current administration in Imo state, questioning its democratic credentials and its record of political elevation.
“What’s the problem of occupants of office that never won free and fair elections before…
“Those whose palm kernel is cracked by benevolent chi (God) should never forget to be humble. Show us anyone in Imo who has seen light or political elevation in this almost past 7 years of this fraudulent Imo administration.
“Ask yourself this: Where are those who helped him to move from 4th position in 2019 guber elections to No.1? That issue will soon come up,” it stated.
It warned that the online publication of the fallacy has endangered the magistrate involved, disclosing that the FCT Chief Judge is considering suspending him over the false report circulating on social media.
“Now, the online publication of this fallacy has put the magistrate in danger of losing his job.
“FCT Chief Judge is about suspending the magistrate based on what is circulating in the social media space,” the group said.
Imo First Group warned that those peddling the falsehood will face prosecution and jail, stressing that politics should not be taken too far.
“Those carrying this falsehood will face prosecution…. People shouldn’t take politics too far.
“We are in civilised clime, and political matters shouldn’t be treated in a criminal manner. Imo people should be vigilant and say no to those derailing our democracy,” it added.
