A former two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Jude Idimogu, has called for an immediate stop to attacks on the residence of APC chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, in Nnewi, Anambra.

Mr Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II between 2015 and 2023, made the call in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Mr Igbokwe is the apex leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos State APC and a former Lagos State APC spokesman.

Mr Idimogu expressed concern over the reported vandalisation of Mr Igbokwe’s residence, describing the repeated attacks as unacceptable.

“I am concerned about what happened recently to Engr. Joe Igbokwe, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. Recently, his home in Nnewi, Anambra, was reportedly vandalised. This is not the first time such an incident has happened, but the latest attack has prompted me to speak out.

“The truth is that Joe Igbokwe is paying a heavy price for his service to Nigeria, particularly for his political activities and support for Lagos State and the APC.

“The sacrifice is becoming too much, and I appeal to the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to take steps to protect him,” he said.

The former lawmaker said every Nigerian had the right to belong to any political party, vote for any candidate and freely express personal opinions.

“Why, therefore, should Joe Igbokwe be singled out for attacks, particularly by some of our brothers and sisters from the South-East?

“We may disagree with his opinions or political choices, but he has the constitutional right to express himself and belong to any political platform of his choice.

“As the saying goes, we should not put all our eggs in one basket. Everybody cannot belong to the same political party or support the same candidate,” Mr Idimogu said.

He described the vandalisation of Mr Igbokwe’s residence as unacceptable, noting that homes were built with considerable financial resources, time and sacrifice.

“Vandalising a person’s home is unacceptable. Homes are built with significant financial resources, time and sacrifice.

“Such destruction can cause enormous emotional and financial hardship,” he said.

Mr Idimogu appealed to the Lagos State government and President Bola Tinubu to do more to protect Mr Igbokwe.

“Yes, he may have received recognition and honours for his service, but I believe the challenges and sacrifices he is currently facing require greater attention.

“He has continued to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC and the development of Lagos State despite the pressures associated with his political position.

“I believe he deserves greater protection, support and, where appropriate, assistance to address the consequences of these attacks,” he said.

He urged the authorities not to wait until the situation escalated before taking decisive action to protect Mr Igbokwe.

“The sacrifice is too much. We must not wait until something more serious happens before we act.

“My prayer is that nobody takes Joe Igbokwe’s life because of his political views or affiliations,” he said.

The former lawmaker also appealed to Igbo people to embrace peace and tolerance despite political differences.

“Let us respect one another’s political choices and allow peace to reign,” he said.

Mr Idimogu said political differences should not become a reason for violence, destruction or hatred, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence.

Some criminal elements had reportedly attacked his residence in Nnewi, Anambra.