BREAKING NEWS: 65 houses razed, scores injured as PDP supporters clash in Benue

ABOUT 65 houses were razed, yesterday, rendering many homeless with others injured as People’s Democratic Party, PDP, supporters clashed in Loko, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The latest crisis in Katsina-Ala is coming on the heels of moves by the people of Loko and PDP to recall Mrs Hembadon Amena representing Katsina-Ala West constituency in Benue State House of Assembly over alleged anti-party activities.
Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, that crisis erupted “when a supporter of the embattled lawmaker, Mr. Shiaondo Ukor, who is chairman of Motorcycle Hirers Association at the Daudu unit, allegedly accosted one Teryange, a commercial motorcycle rider and his employee.
“Ukor asked him to hand over the keys of his motorbike to him on the ground that he (Teryange) disrespected him by joining forces with some people to unseat Mrs. Amena.
“As the two argued to a point of exchanging blows, they attracted the attention of passers-by who joined the fray and the fight escalated.”
According to the source, Mr. Ukor was alleged to have moved with his supporters to the home of the youth leader of Ugber Mr. Aondoaseer Ornguze and razed down his house after beating up his family members.
The source said: “His action sparked a reprisal attack and further escalation of the fighting and burning down of the houses of notable and vocal members of the party in the area.
“The fighting is still on with many persons injured, while over 65 houses have been razed already, as I speak to you.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Daniel Ezeala, said he had received reports on the razing of thatched houses in the affected area last night, adding that he was still waiting for full details of the crisis.
On her part, Mrs. Amena confirmed the story, saying the trouble was caused by those who wanted to recall her for no just cause.
She said the matter had been reported to the Police in Katsina-Ala and Makurdi.
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Why Obasanjo Should Leave Jonathan Alone

The Ex-Bayelsa State governor, Chief Diep-reye Alamieseigha, yesterday spoke on Obasanjo's controversial letter to President Jonathan saying the former President Olusegun Obasanjo should allow President Goodluck Jonathan freely run his administration without interference.

Speaking in Yenagoa, he said though Obasanjo deserves Jonathan’s respect, the president needs the support and encouragement of all Nigerians to run the country successfully.
He said, “No man is infallible, there is no man on this earth that knows everything about governance. Even if  you have tested power severally, one is still bound to make mistakes. Governance is a very complex thing. The office of president if you are not careful only those who want to tell you what you want to hear will have access to you. I cannot say the content of the letter is entirely rubbish as a Nigerian’’.
“You should know that President Jonathan must step on some toes for him to achieve success in the reforms he is embarking upon. He has done certain things that only courageous people can do. The pains for the ultimate realisation of the Nigerian dream can only last for a while’’.
“We must concede that at least Jonathan has achieved some great feats. But those things that he has not done well, he should be encouraged and advised in the right way and with good intention and not staying outside to command him as if the president is your subject that you can just sit anywhere to control. Leadership is like a relay race, Goodluck Jonathan should be allowed to run his race’’, Alamieyesieya maintained.
Meanwhile Alamieyesieya does not agree that Obasanjo’s letter is capable of truncating the ambition of Jonathan for a second term, insisting than Nigeria is bigger than Obasanjo.
“Obasanjo is not Nigeria, he alone cannot tell the citizens what to do. Remember he lost an election in his own village. That is how unpopular he is, even up till today or tomorrow. But Nigerians still voted for him. His disposition cannot significantly affect the electoral fortunes of Jonathan.
“Its God who gives power, if God so desires that Jonathan should continue in office then his aspiration will come to fruition. Jonathan has done much more than any other president has done. Let us support and encourage him instead of trying to pull him down by whipping up sentiments’’, Alamieyeseigha said.
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