S-East PDP Rally: Publicity Secretary Attacked By Hooligans, Chairman’s Residence Invaded By Gunmen.
On Thursday armed men invaded the residence of the Peoples Democratic Party chairman for Udi LGA, and today hooligans attacked the South-East Publicity Secretary at the party’s on-going rally in Enugu.
The incidents occurred ahead of the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan for the rally.
South-East Publicity Secretary Ali Odefa, who was working as a master of the ceremony, is said to have been attacked by some 10 thugs at the podium.
The hooligans, dressed in T-shirts inscribed 'Sullivan for Senate', walked through the red carpet, climbed up the podium and dealt several blows on Odefa, tearing his clothes in the process.
According to Daily Post, the thugs operated freely and walked away without being arrested in spite of the heavy presence of security operatives.
Another person, whose identity is still unknown, was pushed down from the podium.
Witnesses of the incident called for a serious probe, especially the role of security agents.
One dat before, on Thursday, gunmen attacked the Enugu residence of the PDP chairman for Udi LGA, Uche Ogbodo.
Ogbodo told Vanguard yesterday that he had just returned from the court and was inside the house when about 12 gunmen entered his compound in the GRA area of Enugu, trying to force their way into his house.
The party chairman said the attackers had not made it into the house because of the iron doors, but they took the keys of his private car – a KIA-RIO with Reg. No. AGW 35 AAA – drove it away, and used a van to tow the PDP bus from the compound.
Ogbodo disclosed that he had reported the incident to the police, alleging that two policemen in uniform were among those that attacked his house.
He further said that he had already gone into hiding.
Ogbodo said that the attack was probably part of efforts to keep him away from today’s PDP zonal rally.
Meanwhile, National Vice Chairman of the party, South East zone, Austin Akobundu (rtd), said on Thursday that the rally, titled 'Unity Rally', was meant to be a platform for the PDP to consolidate its grip in the zone as part of efforts to reclaim the two states lost to the opposition.
He said that Jonathan would be accompanied to the rally by Vice President, Namadi Sambo; PDP National Chairman, Adamu Muazu; Board of Trustee Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih; Senate President, David Mark; Chairman of South East Governor’s Forum and Abia Governor, Theodore Orji; and governors of Enugu, Sullivan Chime, and Ebonyi, Martin Elechi.
Source: Legit.ng
