THE SUN
Five weeks to the conduct of the presidential elections, fresh violent attacks and activities of political thugs, including suspected bomb blasts, are causing anxiety among the electorate and even leaders of the political parties.
This is even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured that adequate security will be provided before, during and after the elections.
The Presidential Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the leadership of the Labour Party (LP), are worried that if not checked, the growing violence may mar the elections. Last Saturday, a motorcade conveying gunmen and arsonists stormed the residence of Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who is also the House of Representatives Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ideato North South federal constituency, at his hometown in Akokwa, where four persons were killed, including his uncle.
On Thursday, the PDP was forced to halt its campaign in the Edo Central Senatorial district, following heavy gunshots by suspected political opponents. The campaign was marred in the senatorial district.
The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Marcus Onobun and other PDP leaders were evacuated to safety, while others ran for their lives.
Leader of the PDP faction loyal to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Anslem Ojezua, flanked by other party leaders said the police investigation had commenced to unravel those behind the attack.
He said: “We had to suspend our campaign today. Today was supposed to be the final stanza of the campaign in Esan Central. We were in ward 7 and having a very peaceful really when we heard gunshots in the vicinity of the rally. In order to avoid injury and possible damage and loss of lives of people, we decided to evacuate immediately.”
A reported twin explosion at the venue of campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State on Thursday injured three persons. The explosion occurred at the Rumuwoji Playground in Port Harcourt. Two women among those injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. But the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Festus Okoye, in a chat with Saturday Sun, assured that no amount of intimidation or plans will stop the conduct of the general elections
Okoye said: “We do not yet have the full report of what caused the explosion in Port Harcourt. We have to wait for the Police to provide the full details.”
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