10th April, 2022
By Hilary Akalugwu
A member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu has explained how announcement by a four time member of House of Representatives, Dr Pat Asadu of his intention to contest again in 2023 led to crisis at a recent meeting of stakeholders of the party.
Asadu has been representing Nsukka/Igboeze-South the constituency for 16 years, thus, he will conclude his fourth time in the lower chamber in 2023.
But he reportedly told stakeholders at the meeting that he will contest again in 2023, an action which led to protests by some of those president at the stakeholders meeting who argued that he should allow another person to contest for the position.
According to the eyewitness: “Some people in Nsukka and Igboeze-South are not happy that Asadu is not allowing another person from the constituency to contest the seat.
“So as soon as Asadu entered the venue with his supporters to declare his intention, trouble ensued when some opposed him and shouted him down.
“People started shouting, No, No! It’s not your birthright and they started destroying chairs, tables and bottles,” the witness said.
However, Fabian Onah, Chairman, PD) in Nsukka Local Government Area has said there was no casualty during a political disorder in its stakeholders meeting.
Onah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Nsukka that he was surprised to read in some media reports that one person was killed and some others sustained injuries.
“Yes, there was a misunderstanding in that meeting which did not last up to five minutes before normalcy was restored and the meeting continued.
“I am surprised to see reports in social media and some online media platforms that one person was killed and many sustained injuries, this is false and misleading.
“Some women scampered for safety, you know women are always afraid,” he said.
Though, Onah declined to disclose what caused the misunderstanding but said the party was on top of the situation towards resolving the problem.
Also, a group known as Nsukka Youth General Assembly (NYGA) has condemned the use of political thugs to stir up crisis in the state.
A statement signed by Onyekachi Omeje, National Publicity Secretary of NYGA, expressed dismay at the development.
“It is regrettable that some people still play mundane politics of thuggery in 2022.
“The assembly is worried that some Nsukka youths are involved even after so many warnings and sensitisations by the assembly they still allowed themselves to be used in political thuggery.
“We condemn the ugly incidence of Saturday in its entirety, urging law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice,” Omeje said.
Efforts to get comments from Asadu, failed as he neither picked his calls or responded to messages sent to him. (NAN)