The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State yesterday exchanged words over the gruesome murder of the councilor representing, Echara Ward 2, Okposi community in Ohaozara local government area of the state, Mr Ogbonnaya Ugwu.
The state chairman of APC, Chief Stanley Emegha had accused the opposition PDP of being behind the murder of Ugwu.
Ugwu was ambushed and shot dead on Saturday at about 10pm and burnt inside his car by yet-to-be identified gunmen while returning from his drinking joint known as Angle 90 in Okposi.
Emegha condemned the murder of the councillor and called on the security agencies to move into the area and fish out the killers.
He expressed displeasure that despite the efforts of Governor Umahi to ensure absolute peace and unity in all parts of the state, politicians who are hungry for power were working hard to frustrate it.
“We are Ebonyians and we will continue to be Ebonyians. The killings of our people because of quest for power is barbaric and uncalled for. These killings may leave a mark that might be difficult to erase if caution is not taken,” he said.
He alleged that thugs imported into Ebonyi State by governorship candidates of opposition parties from all parts of the country for the purpose of elections were the ones involved in the incessant killings across the state and called on the security agencies to take immediate action.
But in a swift reaction, the deputy director, media and publicity, PDP Campaign Council, Mr Moses Idika described the allegation as false, childish and unwarranted adding that the allegation tells how evil and unfeeling the APC leadership can be.
“A respected person and a government official was murdered and his body desecrated instead of the party in power, the government to encourage security agencies to swing into action and bring his killers to book they (APC) have quickly resorted to playing politics with the unfortunate incident.
“We have always known APC for violence, the facts speak loudly. Since Governor David Umahi joined the APC, there has increased violence and violent killing of Ebonyians. The accusation is a smokescreen to set up members of PDP in Okposi and Ohaozara LGA for harassment and possible arrest,” he said.
The party called on the people of Okposi to resist the evil plan of APC and stamp their feet on the ground to ensure that justice is done and killers of their brother are brought to book.
