The Nation Newspaper

Tag: thuggery

  • NANS warns against thuggery

    NANS warns against thuggery

    Ahead of the general elections, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has warned politicians to desist from hiring students as  thugs. It said students could be meaningful engaged in the planning and implementation of campaign manifestos and programmes.

    The student body threatened to expose politicians involved in conscripting students and other youths to execute violence during elections.

    In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Union Government, Imo State Polytechnic, Ezekiel Nwankwo, NANS also condemned the recent killing of “harmless” students of the Government Science School in Potiskum. It added. “We state that nothing could be more dastardly and wicked and we condemn it in its entirety”.

    The statement added further that, “our bond of unity and brotherhood should be made stronger by this act rather than weakened. Boko Haram should look into the future and see the futility of their fight against the unity of Nigeria”.

    The students however, praised the gallantry of the security agencies in combating the insurgency, despite obvious poor service conditions, assuring that NANS will continue to support the military in its effort to end the killing of innocent Nigerians by Boko Haram insurgents.

  • Violence, logistics mar Delta LG polls

    Violence, logistics mar Delta LG polls

    IT was tales of violence, thuggery, voter apathy and lapses in logistics delivery during the local government elections held across the 25 local council areas in Delta on Saturday.

    The Nation observed that late arrival of election materials was common across the central and Southern districts of the state, as screening of eligible voters in most places visited did not commence until after 12pm.

    There were also reports of skirmishes and destruction of properties in some parts of the state following alleged snatching of election materials.

    In Ughelli South, Uwvie, Warri South, Udu, Okpe, Sapele, Warri South West, Ughelli North Ethiope West and East, Isoko South and North council areas of the state, materials had not arrived most polling booths when our correspondent visited the areas.

    In Koko, the headquarters of Warri North council area, there were reports of violence between members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which left several persons injured, with not less than 12 cars vandalised.

    Our correspondent gathered that trouble started when some persons, suspected to be political thugs working for the PDP, snatched election materials and were resisted by members of the APC.

    At Effunrun, the headquarters of Uvwie council area of the state, the campaign office of an APC governorship aspirant, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, was set on fire by those suspected to PDP thugs.

    In some other parts of Uvwie, there were reports of attacks on members of the APC, who were reportedly beaten and tied up by thugs allegedly working on the instructions of some PDP members.

    In Okpe-Olomu, Ughelli South council area, materials were still not available as at 11:23am, even as people were seen going about their normal businesses. At a community market, people who spoke with The Nation said they were not voting because there was no reason for it.

    Materials arrived Ughelli North council area for distribution at about 11:44am in Olomoro Wards 4, 6 and 7, as people were seen in groups waiting for materials to arrive as at 12:40pm.

    At Olomoro and Irri, both in Isoko South council area of the state, angry electorate reportedly seized materials and destroyed them.

    There had been allegations at Irri that despite the arrival of materials at about 1:30pm, election process could not commence because of the absence of security agents to supervise the distribution process and to prevent possible hijack of materials.

    In Aviara, Ward 3, unit six of Isoko South, voting was yet to start at about 1:45pm. Meanwhile, just a few metres away, from unit 6, the collation centre was still packed with electoral officers, who were collecting materials for their units.

    At Oyede, Ward 1 of Isoko North, the collation centre was still packed with expectant electoral officers and party agents waiting for their materials to be distributed to them at about 2:06pm.

    At Ivrogbor-Irri, Isoko South, electoral officers were still screening eligible voters at about 2:30pm.

    Late arrival of sensitive materials and voter apathy yesterday marred local government polls in some parts of Delta State.

    In Asaba, the state capital, many voters shunned voting centres and opted to stay indoors during the period of election.

    Although voting took place in many polling centres in Oshimili South/North local government areas, there was a low turnout of voters.

    But at a polling centre located at Ozoigwe Primary School in Asaba, there was a huge turnout of voters, while voting and accreditation of voters went on peacefully.

    Voting at the Anglican Girls Grammar School also in the state capital took place without hitches, although accreditation stretched till about 1.30 p.m when actual voting should have started.

    In Aniocha South council area, sensitive materials arrived at about 12.30 p.m. when accreditation should have ended, with many eligible voters having waited in vain for election to commence left in disgust as election materials failed to arrive on time.

    However, there was violence at Okpe council area after some unidentified thugs reportedly set fire on a bus filled with election materials.

    Violence also characterised the conduct of the polls in Delta South and Delta central senatorial districts areas.

    The Nation gathered that there were protests in Delta South and Central senatorial districts over the alleged disappearance of result sheets from the election materials.

    In Koko, Warri North LGA of Delta South, over 10 ten persons were said to have sustained injuries, while no fewer than 20 vehicles of various brands were vandalised when fighting broke out.

    Trouble started when a prominent chief allegedly led thugs to unleash mayhem on members of the community who had insisted on inspecting election materials before being distributed to the various units.

    According to a source, there was anxiety that the materials might have been tampered with in favour of a particular political party.

    A voter in the area, Anunu Esimaje, described the election as a sham, saying that he was a victim of the violence.

    He said, “This is no election; some people used security men to intimidate and molest voters. Even thugs came here to harass and molest our people in the presence of security operatives. Now they have taken the materials away.”

    But in a swift reaction, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the community, Mike Diden, said the election was peaceful despite the initial hiccups. He praised the security agencies for living up to expectation.

    Diden exonerated PDP loyalists from the violence, saying that one of the opposition parties had imported thugs into the town to cause confusion and ensure that the exercise did not hold.

    Meanwhile, thousands of passengers were left seething with anger as military men and police shut down the state while the election lasted.

    The lockdown followed a directive by the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, that movement of people should be restricted from 8am to 3pm.

    The governor said the move was part of security measures taken to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

    Findings, however, revealed that the lockdown led to endless wait at border towns to the annoyance of passengers and motorists.

    The Nation gathered that major points in and out of the state were effectively closed by stern-faced police and military personnel who said they were under instruction not to allow anybody in or out of the state.

    Our checks revealed that the bridges across the Niger River at Patani and Asaba were blocked by soldiers, forcing hundreds of travellers passing through the state to Edo, Lagos and Northern states to remain in Onitsha and Bayelsa.

    Also, travellers going to Port Harcourt and other South-South states through Benin City, the Edo State capital, were stopped at Koko-Ugbenu junction.

    Among those stranded in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, were members of the Eyeta family who were on their way to Benin City to attend the wedding ceremony of their brother, Monday.

    One of the disappointed travellers told our reporter, “I was hurrying to Benin but when I got to Effurun Roundabout at about 8 am, some wicked soldiers refused to let us pass. But they allowed politicians using military men as escort to pass but they would not allow ordinary civilians to go through.”

  • Police warn Edo politicians against thuggery

    Police warn Edo politicians against thuggery

    •Recover arms used for attacks  

    •PDP lawmakers, leaders flee 

    The police in Edo State have warned politicians to stop sponsoring thuggery.

    The police said they would not allow breakdown of law and order in the state.

    Thugs invaded the Legislative Quarters on Saturday, attacking All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers and their families.

    A statement by police spokesman Noble Uwoh said anybody caught would be prosecuted.

    Uwoh warned politicians not to not to take laws into their hands but to seek redress in court.

    He said the upsurge of political violence in the state does not augur well for its peace and tranquility.

    Commissioner of Police Foluso Adebanjo said policemen have been placed on 24 hours security patrol around Benin City and environs.

    Adebanjo said arms and ammunition used in the attack have been recovered.

    He said the police were on the fleeing attackers and added that those arrested would soon be charged to court.

    Nine PDP lawmakers and some party leaders have fled the state for fear of a reprisal attack by APC supporters.

    It was gathered that APC supporters have been spoiling for “war” but for the continued appeal by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who urged them not to take the law into their hands.

    The Speaker, Uyi Igbe, in a petition, alleged that PDP  members were behind the onslaught.

    Igbe accused the police of complacency. He said: “It was gathered that the police were informed of the attack after the incident at the Benin Airport on Friday, where thugs manhandled government officials as they waited to receive President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “But curiously, rather than strengthen security in the area, policemen attached to the complex and some of the lawmakers were allegedly withdrawn.

    “They went on a rampage destroying vehicles, buildings and assaulting lawmakers and their families. Furthermore, after the exit of the hoodlums, a fez cap was found in the premises with an inscription ‘Final Push’, which is the slogan of a group believed to be sponsored by a PDP lawmaker.

    “Let me remind the commissioner that having heard the news of a possible attack yesterday, we expected that the security in and around the premises should have been strengthened to foil the attack.

    “Also the few police officers who were supposedly posted to the legislators quarters were absent at the time of the attack.

    “This barbaric act lasted for an hour causing residents and neighbours to flee. In addition, police response was very slow, despite several emergency calls. I wish to request your speedy investigation in this matter.”

  • Youths rise against thuggery, money politics

    Youths rise against thuggery, money politics

    In their resolve to create an enabling environment that would engender free, fair and credible election, youths in Anambra State gathered in Awka, the state capital recently to deliberate on ways to consolidate on the existing peace and political stability in the state.

    During their deliberations, they realised that money politics and political thuggery had been the bane of the state since its creation. They, therefore, expressed their willingness to kick against these hideous phenomena in the forthcoming governorship election slated for later part of the year.

    The gathering, the second in a week, brought together youths from the 21 local government areas.

    The event took place at King David’s Hotel in Awka. The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Edozie Aroh represented Governor Peter Obi at the event which was organised by Golden Morning International (GMI). Its theme was “Youth against Thuggery and Money Politics in Anambra 2013.”

    Speaking at the event, the Director of GMI, Anthony Aniegbue regretted that those whose dead bodies floated in Ezu River were youths and not the aged, adding that if what happened in Anambra State was to be in a civilised world, security agents would have resigned en masse.

    He added that the governorship election which will take place later in the year would be violence-free as the youth would be seriously involved.

    Prof. Mercy Anagbogu, in her speech, said it was a pity that in the past 21 years, youths of the state had not been given the opportunity to participate actively in governance.

    “2013 is the year the youth in Anambra State will rise up against all evils; and if this opportunity slips from them, then, there will be problem. We pray that such a thing will never happen,” she said.

    Governor Peter Obi, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Dr Edozie Aroh, stated that it was not the youth who had been involved in thuggery and money politics, rather the adults who pay them to perpetrate such ugly acts.

    He opined that stopping such act would be through legislation, adding that the youth should be mindful of the politicians who use and dump them after elections.

    A governorship hopeful, Dr Chike Obidigbo said that 80 per cent of this group lives in communities where economic, civic and social opportunities are insufficient to address their diverse needs.

    He said: “What makes the youth prone to thuggery and money politics can easily be changed through genuine initiative like what we are having today. Such initiative, I believe, stems from that love and faith for sustainable good governance which brings us to the theory of change.

    “The youth, who are hungry, unemployed, and have no skills for self-sufficiency are likely to engage in political thuggery, kidnapping, shooting and snatching of ballot boxes during elections as these have become their sources of livelihood,” Obidigbo said.

  • Akande, Tinubu to police: stop thuggery in Ondo

    Akande, Tinubu to police: stop thuggery in Ondo

    Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday flayed the Labour Party (LP) government for allegedly sending thugs after members of the opposition party.

    ACN members were attacked on Wednesday after the party’s massive rally in Ondo Kingdom, the birthplace of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    Miffed by the attacks and infliction of pains on his supporters in the ancient town, the ACN governorship candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), chided the governor for political intolerance. He also blamed the police for condoning the thugs, urging the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to transfer the Commissioner of Police in the state because he is partisan.

    Akande warned against further molestation and repression of ACN supporters in Ondo State, saying that party followers would no more fold their arms in the face of intimidation and incessant harassment.

    He said: “Some thugs were attacking our people while returning from a rally in Ondo. It was quite bad. There are good policemen; there are bad policemen. The attack is too much and police are taking sides. I am saying this as a message to the Inspector General. Because we are gentlemen, we will not have thugs. But if thugs attack our people again, we will send thugs bigger than those in Ondo State.

    “They should not dare us. They dared us in 1965 and 1983 and Nigeria collapsed. If they attack us, we will hit back in a way the police will not be able to handle in Ondo State.”

    Akeredolu asked the governor to withdraw the thugs from the street or face the consequence. He said: “I want to call on the governor to rein in the thugs. I told him at the meeting we held with the SSS, but he was threatening me. I told him, no, because we are both candidates. The commissioner of police is partisan. He cannot be trusted. We reported the attack to him and he said it was ACN that was the first to attack. The IG should transfer him from Ondo State. If Mimiko insists on using thugs, we will fight him to a standstill. If he does not rein in the thugs, we will meet him fire for fire.”

    Tinubu said ACN will not panic in Ondo State, charging the party supporters to remain steadfast and firm till the end.

    The party elders spoke at Ore, Ondo South Senatorial District, where Akande raised Akeredolu’s hand before presenting to him the flag of victory before an unprecedented crowd of jubilating party followers, who defied the rain that heralded the redemption rally.

    Akande, Tinubu, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and Governor Ibikunle Amosun stormed the rally around 2.20 pm, amid cheers by the huge crowd. Akeredolu, who rode into the venue in an open roof Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), was accompanied by his wife, Betty, and running mate, Dr. Paul Akintelure.

    Presenting the flag to Akeredolu, Akande congratulated the people for having the opportunity to make a choice between an inept administration and a candidate of a party that never fails.

    Party supporters thronged the campaign ground from Ore, Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other Ikale and Ilaje towns and villages, Ijaw and Apoi towns and villages and Odigbo. Entertaining the crowd were ace musician Saheed Osupa, actor Ojo Arowosafe (a.k.a Fadeyi Oloro) and Arowolo Elaloro, the ewi exponent. No fewer than 1,000 helmets were distributed by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Yemi Ikuforiji and another lawmaker, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, to Okada riders in the state at the venue.

    Representatives of the non-indigenes, including the leaders of the Hausa, Igbo and Ebira communities, showed up in solidarity, chanting the slogan of power shift. The leader of Hausa community in Odigbo Local Government, Abdullahi Bala, alleged that unscrupulous politicians have started wooing non-indigenes in a bid to buy their voter’s card.

    He said: “We have decided to vote ACN because we believe that it is the party that will turn around the state. We want to enjoy free education and health services without stress and burden. It is time to hew the Iroko tree. They are buying voter’s card. It is prohibited. It is uncivilised. They will fail on the election day. Don’t sell your voter’s card. It is your future. Keep it and only bring it out on the election day to perform your voting right.”

    Special Assistant to Osun State Governor on Handicapped Kehinde Onitiju said ACN has plans for the disabled, assuring them that the special programmes they enjoy in Osun would be replicated in the Sunshine State.

    At the rally were Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemi, his Osun State counterpart, Mrs. Grace Laoye-Tomori, former Oyo State Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Yemi Ikuforiji, his deputy, Kolawole Taiwo, Hon. Olawale Oshun, Ademorin Kuye, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, his wife, Akindele, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and Dr. Jayeola Ajatta.

    Wole Iranaye, Michael Fapounda, Lowo Adebiyi, Omowumi Edet, Folake Sokunbi, Sola Lawal, Gboyega Adefarati, Sola Iji, Ayo Afolabi, Adewale Akintimehin, Rotimi Agunsoye, Modupe Johnson, Jibayo Adeyeye, Segun Olulade, Lawrence Ayeni, Bayo Osinnowo, Femi Johnson, Demola Doherty, Bola Ilori, Lola Akande, Rotimi Abiru, Moses Akindun and Adewale Omojuwa were there. Also there were Benson Ekunjumi, Rawa Felix, Sam Erejuwa, Nimbe Tawose, Olayato Aribo, Gboyega Adedipe, Tunde Oniya, Idowu Otetubi, Adedapo Ojo, Toyin Ajinde, Ibukun Fakeye, Gboye Bajowa, Diran Iyantan, Akin Oke, Suche Onyeagucha, Segun Abraham, Ganiyu Badmus, Tunji Abayomi and Idowu Ajanaku.

    Party elder, Aremo Osoba, evoked the memory of the wars of resistance in Yorubaland, urging the people of Ondo State to wage an electoral battle, reminiscent of how the enemies of the race were defeated at Ore during the civil war.

    Osun State Governor Aregbesola, who rendered five songs, urged Muslims, Christians and traditional religion adherents to fast and pray, until victory is achieved. He requested Christians to always recite Psalm 24 as they pray.

    Aregbesola dismissed as a lie the insinuation that Tinubu was demanding for money from ACN governors, stressing that the former Lagos governor only took delight in spending his resources on the growth of the party.

    He added: “You should be prepared to defeat LP the way you defeated the enemies at Ore during the civil war. People don’t go to war without preparation. After voting, you women can return home. you men , you wait behind to police the votes.”

    Amosun told the people the difference between ACN and LP, saying that only ACN can bring progress to Ondo State. He said: “Yoruba in the East, North and South are happy with what ACN governors are doing at home. If the people of Ondo State want development, the option is ACN. Ogun and ondo must cooperate. We have bitumen flowing from Ondo to Ogun and Olokola Free Trade Zone has united us. This is your party. This is Awolowo party. If some people come here and say they are Awoists and campaigning for LP, it is a lie.

    “Some people are peddling rumour that there are leaders demanding for money from them. Since I have become the governor, Asiwaju has not asked for any money from me. Osoba has never asked for money from me. They are only working for the party. On voting day, vote and defend your vote. Aregbesola said only men should wait behind. Both men and women should wait to police the votes”.

    Akeredolu’s running mate, who was the cynosure of all eyes at the rally, said victory is the goal of ACN , adding that the governorship candidate will perform wonders, if elected into office.

    Iyantan said: “I know Mimiko very well. I was a commissioner under him. His name will enter the Guinness Book of Records as the governor who could not construct a single road in four years; a governor who built just one school in four years. We must vote to liberate Ondo.”

    Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, addressed her Igbo kith and kin in their language, before her husband’s speech.

    The flag bearer urged the people to trust in God. He said: “Where we are going, we are already there. Let us return to our units at the wards. Let each one of us mobilise 10 people each. We can have one Judas among them, but nine would be faithful. Please, let us work hard for victory in the next two weeks.

    “Ondo people will not desert the battle. we will ride on a white horse to Alagbaka. We will provide jobs for the youths and pay them more than they are receiving in Osun because Ondo is richer than Osun. Mimiko has not employed people. He has not employed teachers in the last three and half years. We will set up the school of entrepreneurship to train our youths to become self-reliant and employers of labour. We will open up rural areas with roads. It is possible to develop rural and urban areas together. Farmers are the producers of wealth. They will have access to roads, water, hospitals and will not travel from Ore to Akure for medical attention. In Ondo State, how many roads have been tarred? We only see dust and not roads.”

    Tinubu hailed the patience and resilience of the crowd. He prayed that God will free them from Mimiko’s cage. The national leader said lack of good road in Ondo State is an indictment on the LP government, adding that the setting up of one hospital is a sign of failure.

    He said: “Vote wisely. Thumbprint where you see the broom. Then, protect your votes. Mathew chapter seven, verse 18 says every good tree brings forth good fruits. Mimiko cannot bear good fruits. He betrayed Obasanjo, Adefarati, Agagu. Let the people of Ikale and Ilaje use their votes to reject enslavement. You produce oil. You have this corridor. Go to Badagry and you will see the changes there. You deserve a good coastal road from here to Port-Harcourt, glass and plastic industries. Mimiko is delaying these things.

    “There is no gain without pain. Your pain is over with ACN. Youths will get jobs and women will be empowered. Ondo has the resources to cater for all of you. It is the economic hub and engine room of the Southwest. LP government cannot maximise these potentials.

    “On voting day, eat at home. The voter’s register must be displayed. Let the youths assist the elderly people who cannot read or write to identify their names.”