Gombe: Violence Mars PDP Governorship Campaign Over Non-release Of 'Stomach Infrastructure'

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, January 26, (THEWILL) – No fewer than 19 cars were badly damaged Sunday as violence rocked the inauguration of the Northern Senatorial District governorship campaign of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The cars belonging to the campaign team were vandalised by aggrieved political thugs, known in local parlance as Kalare , who were wielding cutlasses, sticks, iron rods, and many other dangerous weapons.

They were said to have moved against the leaders of the party for allegedly short-changing them in the release of their welfare package.

Local sources at the ceremony said trouble started few minutes to the end of the ceremony, when the thugs, realizing that officials of the party were not willing to release their welfare packages, went on rampage, forcing other supporters to take to their heels as they scampered for safety.

The thugs, who were said to have been contracted for the occasion, were said to have gone berserk when they were denied food and their allowances.

“The boys (thugs) were promised N50, 000 for the occupants of each of the campaign busses, but none of the officials was willing to listen to them even as the occasion was winding up,” a member of the party said on condition of anonymity.

But the State Party Chairman, Mr. Shuaibu Sabulu, denied the development when contacted, saying he had not seen the damaged cars.

“I can't confirm the incident, because my eyes have not seen the cars and no one has brought his damaged car to me. As you heard it, that is the way I heard it, so even if I told you that it is a lie, then I'm correct.

“ I've heard it but I have not seen it. Because we left immediately after the occasion, we have always advised our supporters to shun violence,” he said.