APGA GUBER CANDIDATE RAISES ALARM OVER PLANS TO TRUNCATE POLLS IN EBONYI

Chief Frank Ogbuewu, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, alleged yesterday that there were plans to truncate the forthcoming polls in the state. The gubernatorial candidate therefore called on President Goodluck Jonathan and Inspector General of Police (IGP) to call governor Martin Elechi and the state commissioner of police to order.

Ogbuewu told journalists in Abuja that with Elechi's knowledge, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was making itself an agent of violence ahead of the elections, while the state police command closed its eyes.

'If nothing is done in Ebonyi by the IGP, it is clear there will be no election in the state. If any elections takes place, it will not be free and fair,' Ogbuewu said.

He said his campaign train had been attacked twice by thugs hired by the camp of his major opponent, but regretted that instead of arresting the culprits who were known faces, the police arrested and detained his supporters.

'On Febrauary 17, we were on wards visits when we were attacked by PDP thugs who set ablaze everything at the rally and beat up APGA members. The case was reported to the police, but up till now, no arrest has been made. A member of the state House of Assembly led the attack.

'Surprisingly, the divisional police officer said he was tired of the guy because his file was filled up and the government was not doing anything about him.

'On the 19th, I was to address a rally and someone was seen digging a trench across the road so that I could not pass. When the matter was reported to the police, the gentleman on duty refused to enter the case and said the DPO was not around.

'A truck-load of sand was heaped on the middle of the road, and after the bridge, a trench was dug. My supporters who had gathered to receive me were on the other side, and were overwhelmed by the people who gathered and made them to close the trench and remove the sand.

'On the 20th, some thugs in government vehicles attacked our people who were pasting the campaign posters of our senatorial candidate, Senator Onwe. The APGA members were shot and as I am talking to you now, they are in the hospital,' Ogbuewu said.