By Kenneth Onuoha
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi state has raised the alarm over alleged plans to burn down the party headquarters in the state by those loyal to the state government.
The caretaker committee chairman of the party, Chief Fred Udeogu, who made this allegation on Monday, January 25, in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki.
The statement read in part: “The Attention of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ebonyi state has been drawn to the SMS circulating in the state last night, inviting Ebonyi Youths (AYA) by Mr. Mark Onu, also known as Chopper, to converge at the Women Development Centre, Ezza Road, Abakaliki, for an important information without their normal ‘akubaraoha’ vest, today.
“We call on our esteemed Ebonyi Youths to disregard such calls and texts messages because this is the modus operandi of David’s thugs to create crisis and then the state governor will turnaround to accuse the opposition parties of being cultists and members of IPOB.
“Last night, Mr. Mark Onu and Onyekachi Nwebonyi, led a motley crowd and made a concerted effort to burn down the state secretariat of the PDP in Abakaliki.
“If not for the prompt response of some of our members, the building would have been razed down by this morning. They were resisted and repelled effectively.
“Mark Onu also known as Chopper, is the leader of the cult group that Governor Umahi joined years back, precisely in 2016.
“This cult group is the ones at helm of affairs in Umahi’s administration. This is the reason why it has become impossible for the government to curtail the criminal activities of cultists that have ravaged the entire state.
“Now that the Governor has resolved to using extreme measures in making his political point, his plans to throw the state into full scale crisis may soon happen, if the security agencies do not call him to order.
“This was how the David administration instigated the bout of violence between Ezza and Effium people, which led to unnecessary loss of lives and properties last weekend.
“Let it be further emphasized that the governor was aware of this cult group that is behind the insecurity in the state as he too is a member.
“This is their response to the federal high court order restraining them from parading themselves as members/leaders of the PDP.
“We urge the general public to be vigilant as they go about their normal businesses.
“We await to see the importance of the gathering of cultist to a state in dire need of security and safety of lives and property.
“The lives of Ebonyians are far too valuable than the insane ambition of any political party or politicians.”