WOMEN, YOUTHS PROTEST ATTACKS ON AGPA GUBER CANDIDATE IN EBONYI

REPORTER: CHINELO OKORO

Women of Ezza Ezekuna have condemned the recent assassination attempt on one of their illustrious sons and APGA Governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Professor Benard Odo.

The attack took place at Ntezi, Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State as Prof. Odo and his convoy were returning from campaign last week Thursday.

They made the condemnation during a peaceful protest at Onueke the Ezza South Local Government headquarters.

The women and youths who matched from Ikwo road through Eke-Imoha market to Onueke moto park were visibly embittered as they chanted songs in Ezza dialect, carrying green leaves and placards with inscriptions: “Don’t attack Odoh again,” “Attack on Odoh is attack on us,” “we say no to political intimidation,” “no to violence,” “Disband Ebubeagu from Ebonyi” among others.

Addressing journalists during the protest, the leader of the group, Mrs. Beatrice Nkwuda, lamented that the incessant attacks and assassination attempts on Prof Odoh in different parts of the state, was undemocratic and barbaric.

Mrs. Nkwuda, who is a former special adviser to the Governor on Primary Education, also called on Ebonyi women to rise against any form of intimidations and vote wisely for the future of their Children.

Others, Mrs. Princess Nworie, Mrs Cynthia Nwokpoku and Mrs. Victoria Nwali, emphasized that attack on innocent people going about their lawful politicsl businesses, may not be the best way of electing good leaders in the forthcoming election.

In an earlier protest at Omege Umuezeoka immediately after the ugly incident, some youths from Umuezeokoha and other stakeholders, including
Comrade Augustine Awaza and Mr. Benjamin Nwafor urged the ruling APC and state government to allow every candidate free and conducive environment to test their popularity before the electorate.

Meanwhile, narrating his ugly experience to journalists, Professor Odoh who said he has been dumbfounded since the incident, explained that the attack that left his driver dead and others seriously injured was about the seventh on his team within a shot space of time.

Prof Odoh who was Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, maintained that he would not be discouraged by any form of intimidation or attack.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU