APC, PDP Supporters Clash in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
There was alleged pandemonium yesterday in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area as thugs loyal to the gubernatorial running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Philip Shuaibu and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu reportedly clashed at Jattu market, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The clash was contained in a statement issued by Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP saying the clash occurred when the convoy of the Mrs. Idia Ize-Iyamu, wife of the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, was in the area on a campaign.
According to the report, it was the deputy governorship candidate that masterminded the clash.

But in a swift reaction, the APC deputy governorship candidate, Philip Shaibu said he is not known to have history of violence rather, it is the PDP factional governorship candidate, Ize Iyamu, that possessed such history.

The incident, according to the report reaching THISDAY, was said to have occurred at Jattu market while PDP women were campaigning from shop to shop educating the people on the contents of the PDP manifesto, tagged: ‘SIMPLE AGENDA’ and educating the people on how to vote right during the election.

The market women were heard chanting “PDP!” and “Change the Change!” which infuriated the thugs allegedly led by Shuaibu who became angry and destroyed several cars in Mrs Ize-Iyamu’s convoy.
This, as gathered led to violence erupting in the market with market women burning any broom in sight.

“One wonders however what men were doing at the market knowing that APC does not have the practice of projecting their women.
“Philip Shuaibu has a history of violence and you would recall how same Philip Shuaibu allegedly led thugs into the premises of the House of Assembly to beat up opposition members,” Nehikhare said.

On his part, Shaibu alleged that Ize-Iyamu in 1984 was expelled for bathing a fellow student at the University of Benin with acid, adding that as SSG under Lucky Igbinedion administration, political assassination was at its peak in Edo State and in 2015, same Ize-Iyamu led thugs to unleashed mayhem on the Edo state house of Assembly.

He said: “Philip Shaibu and other APC faithful were on a road show tagged: “Sweep them away” The mayhem unfolded today, when the PDP thugs led by Jaret Tenebe sighted APC supporters sweeping the Jattu-Auchi road in Jattu market area and started stoning. Three of the police officers who were called in to remedy the situation by the deputy governorship candidate of the APC were attacked by the PDP thugs and they are receiving treatment now.

“Having unleashed violence, Ize-Iyamu and his party has been using every available platform to reflect blame on to the APC, who have been busy enthusing and engaging the good people of Edo North with our message of change while Ize-Iyamu is reveling in anarchy”.

Shaibu therefore, called on APC supporters to remain calm and avoid any provocation, insisting that this election will be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and orderliness.