Supporters of the the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and those of the deputy governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uche Ekwunife on Friday clashed in Nri community in Anaocha Local Government Area.
The clash which turned violent led to the pulling down of billboards belonging to both political parties.
The clash happened during events by both the APC and the APGA in the community at the weekend. While APGA faithful in the community, led by a popular legal practitioner popularly known as Ezeafia was hosting the APGA candidate, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Uche Ekwunife, the running mate of the APC candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu was also hosting her supporters in the same community where she hails from.
Trouble however broke out when some supporters of APC accused those of APGA of bringing down billboards belonging to their party.
THISDAY learnt that the fracas escalated to full violence, leading to the intervention of operatives of the Anambra State police command.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga the spokesperson for Anambra State police command, in a press release said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu intervened, inviting the parties involved to his office.
Ikenga said: “The Anambra State Police Command swiftly intervened and restored calm following a report of a political squabble at Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, during a political campaign rally.
“The incident reportedly arose after supporters of a political party allegedly pulled down three campaign billboards belonging to another party leading to a brief disturbance in the area.
“Parties involved in the matter were immediately invited for a peace meeting aimed at de-escalating the tension.
However, a mutual agreement was reached to replace the removed billboards without delay, despite claims that the removal was due to non-payment of signage fees.
“Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu has urged political actors and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the ambit of the law. He further directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Political Desk to uphold the already resolved pact by the parties or otherwise, for a more discreet investigation.”
David-Chyddy Eleke
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