The destruction of Atiku’s campaign billboard in Abakaliki has continued to generate comments within Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP).
It will be recalled that Blueprint reported that Atiku’s billboard mounted at one of his support groups’ campaign office, (Friends of Atiku) in Abakiliki was recently destroyed.
The destruction came few days after the state government announced its plan to embark on three days sensitization for youths in the state against destruction of billboards and poster.
It would be recalled that On Tuesday 15th January, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi while swearing in some new executive members of his cabinet alleged that the perpetrators of the act must be from the support group as Ebonyi is not in the business of destroying billboards belonging to any political party not to talk of Presidential candidate of PDP.
However, Hon. Linus Okorie, House of Representative member representing Ohaozara,Onicha and Ivo Federal constituency who doubles as Ebonyi state coordinator of Friends of Atiku (FOA) support group on Wednesday expressed disappointment over the governors reaction.
He said he could not stoop so low for cheap recognition but however enjoined Eboyians to team up and ensure Atiku’s victory come February 16th presidential election. He said:
“I was convinced that the governor was misquoted when I read a line where he was quoted as saying that I destroyed the billboards just to draw attention to myself and my activities in the State. This is most uncharitable and unexpected from the occupant of the exalted office of a governor and who knows me too well and fully aware that I don’t need such cheap tricks to be popular in a State I have been a major stakeholder and player in the past 20 years. Neither do I need to destroy my own campaign materials to gain the governor’s attention when indeed my role in his 2015 governorship ascension are well known to all Ebonyians and remain indelible.
“I am deeply concerned that the governor did not condemn the unwarranted destructive attack on the campaign office of the Presidential candidate of his party, but instead chose to use the opportunity of the incident to launch such an obnoxious attack on me. May it not be that the further attacks said to be planned against the office are still afoot.
” I am, however, satisfied that the governor has finally spoken on the matter and publicly commented on the candidacy of our Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
“I now passionately appeal to him and all stakeholders of our party, the PDP in the State, to join the Friends of Atiku in intensifying efforts to deliver our candidate come February 16, 2019. I am also looking forward to seeing the governor’s Divine Mandate campaign vehicles and materials branded with the images of Atiku and Obi.
“What is most gratifying is that Ebonyians are determined to massively vote the Atiku/Obi ticket irrespective of any intrigues and high wire politicking” .
“This is most uncharitable and unexpected from the occupant of the exalted office of a governor and who knows me too well. I am deeply concerned that the governor did not condemn the unwarranted destructive attack on the campaign office of the Presidential candidate of his party, but instead chose to use the opportunity of the incident to launch such an obnoxious attack on me. May it not be that the further attacks said to be planned against the office are still afoot.
“I am, however, satisfied that the governor has finally spoken on the matter and publicly commented on the candidacy of our Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. I now passionately appeal to him and all stakeholders of our party, the PDP in the State, to join the Friends of Atiku in intensifying efforts to deliver our candidate come February 16, 2019. I am also looking forward to seeing the governor’s Divine Mandate campaign vehicles and materials branded with the images of Atiku and Obi.
“What is most gratifying is that Ebonyians are determined to massively vote for the Atiku/Obi ticket irrespective of any intrigues and high wire politicking” He said.
Meanwhile, When Blueprint approached the state Commissioner for Internal security and Boarder peace Dr Kenneth Ugbala on the issue which he described as of igniting crisis, he denied knowledge of such but said governor Umahi gave his office the mandate of sensitizing the youth on such act and further gave warning against it.
