Benue: APC Leader condemns attack on Ado LGA acting party chairman

Barr. Ochai Onazi, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, has condemned the brutal attack on the council’s acting party chairman, Comrade Josiah Owobi.

Comrade Owobi was assaulted on Wednesday during a meeting with ward executives and other party stakeholders in Akpoge/Ogbilolo council ward of Agila district.

Reacting to the incident, Barr. Onazi, a former lawmaker, described the attack as unwarranted and absurd. He expressed disbelief that a chairman of the ruling party could be attacked while convening a meeting with no ill intentions, resulting in injuries and property damage caused by another faction within the party.

In a statement released on Friday, Barr. Onazi declared the attack on the chairman unacceptable. He commended the acting chairman’s decision to embark on a familiarization tour of the ten council wards in the local government and questioned why his visit to Akpoge/Ogbilolo ward, meant to conclude the tour, was disrupted by hired hoodlums from the area.

He emphasized that any issues within the party should be addressed through proper channels rather than resorting to violence.

“We will not allow ugly and unholy behavior from some disgruntled elements to tarnish the image and reputation of our party under the leadership of Comrade Austin Agada in the state. We must desist from politics of acrimony and any form of violence or intimidation within our party. We must uphold the principles of our party and work in harmony to ensure peace and tranquility in Ado,” Onazi stated.

He further cautioned that there should be no place for violence and anti-democratic actions in Ado, particularly in Akpoge/Ogbilolo ward. He affirmed that the APC, under the leadership of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Austin Agada, is committed to peace and unity among its members.

Onazi warned against the recurrence of such uncivilized acts and urged party members in Akpoge/Ogbilolo council ward to remain united, view themselves as one, and shun any actions that could cause division.