The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned attacks on opposition parties in Enugu State.
They warned that democracy in the state was heading in direction of anarchy, calling on safety companies and the federal authorities to intervene and shield opposition politicians and their supporters.
The parties made the condemnation at a joint press convention held on the Press Centre, Enugu, on Monday, following Saturday’s attacks on NDC members at two totally different places in the state.
Narrating the incident, NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chinyeaka Ohaa, stated he and his supporters have been attacked on Saturday whereas coming back from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Mr Ohaa stated a number of of his supporters have been injured, whereas automobiles have been broken and cellphones belonging to some journalists and get together members have been seized through the incident.
“When I arrived from the airport on 10 October, I was attacked, and my members who came to welcome me were humiliated,” he stated.
He alleged that safety operatives prevented his supporters from accessing the airport and subsequently blocked his convoy at totally different places.
According to him, the attackers adopted his convoy to the get together’s marketing campaign workplace the place one other assault occurred.
Previous attacks
Mr Ohaa stated eight get together supporters have been injured throughout an assault just a few months in the past, together with a lady who sustained a gunshot wound to her breast and a person who underwent surgical procedure following accidents to his stomach.
The NDC candidate urged the state authorities to analyze the incidents and be certain that these accountable have been dropped at justice.
Mr Ohaa additionally urged the state authorities to permit opposition parties to hold out their reputable political actions with out intimidation.
Similarly, the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu, Uche Nnaji, described the attacks as unacceptable and referred to as for an finish to political violence in the state.
Mr Nnaji stated opposition parties had come collectively to specific solidarity with the NDC and demanded ample safety for political actions.
“We imagine in politics with out bitterness. Politics shouldn’t be a do-or-die affair, and no one must be harassed or killed due to political variations.
“If you have done something for the state, you do not need to intimidate or kill people for them to see it. You only need to showcase your achievements,” he stated.
Mr Nnaji referred to as on safety companies, the federal authorities, and the worldwide neighborhood to concentrate to the political scenario in Enugu State.
Also talking, the ADC governorship candidate in the state, Ocho Obodoeze, expressed solidarity with the NDC over the attacks.
Mr Obodoeze stated political violence posed a risk to democracy and must be condemned no matter the political affiliation of these affected.
He stated his get together had suffered comparable attacks throughout a thanksgiving occasion, when its supporters have been chased away, and canopies and chairs have been thrown away.
He alleged that the get together had additionally obtained dying threats, which have been documented and reported to the State Security Service.
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Mr Obodoeze stated the presence of safety companies on the airport ought to ordinarily assure the security of residents receiving political leaders and different guests.
He urged the state authorities to analyze the allegations slightly than dismiss opposition parties’ complaints.
Enugu govt denies involvement
The Enugu State Government, in a media briefing on Sunday, denied involvement in the assault.
The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said the airport incident was a matter between the NDC members and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as a result of due approval was not given to the get together—a declare the NDC has rejected.
(NAN)
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