Prof. Benard Odoh, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate of Ebonyi State in the 2023 general election, claimed on Thursday that members of the Ebubeyagu Security organization opened fire on his campaign convoy.
Odoh, who briefed reporters in Abakaliki about the horrific situation, urged his supporters not to lose faith or be intimidated by the ugly episode.
According to him, no amount of intimidation will prevent him from pursuing his goal of being the next State Governor in 2023.
The Commander of Ebubeagu Security outfit, Mr. Nnana, who spoke on the phone with reporters, rejected the allegation that Ebubeagu Security operatives fired at the convoy of the APGA Governorship candidate in the State.
Read Also: Sowore blasts Peter Obi for visiting Baba-Ahmed’s hospital
“Ebubeagu Security outfit is doing very well in Ebonyi State and some politicians want to kill the dog by giving it a bad name. There’s no report of such in the State. The commander of Ebubeagu in Izzi had a briefing with me this morning and never mentioned anything like that.”
Odoh claimed further that one of the vehicles in his convoy with the registration number ABJ – 580GH was allegedly shot at, resulting in damage to the rear windshield.
“And that’s why I have to go to Izzi and defy all their orders and threats and went to Izzi. We were confronted by the Ebubeagu team. They shot at one of our cars. Look at it, the glass chattered. We went with the official security men of the police and DSS and our full campaign team.
“We are not cowards. We are not fools. You cannot force anybody on us. Ebonyi people have the right to choose who becomes their leader. This is not how to run a democracy. We have the right to reach out to our people.”
Barr. Emenike, chairman of the Izzi Local Government Area, responded to the news by characterizing Odoh’s comments as blackmail and accusing him of telling lies to cover up their wrongdoings.
“How can Ebubeagu unleash mayhem on the motorcade of the APGA Guber candidate? This is a cheap lie. Who was injured from the gunshot that was aimed at the supposed windscreen? The truth is that someone from his convoy was the person that shot at the vehicle carrying the Coordinator of Izzi LGA. His name is Chukwudi Obia Pascal. He is presently receiving treatment at FETHA 2”
