–From Editor’s DESK:
Facts have emerged on how House of Representatives aspirant for the Isoko Federal Constituency, Bashorun Askia Ogieh and his consultation team were attacked by thugs at Otor-Igho, on Tuesday.
Sources confirmed that the attack was preconceived and executed by the hoodlums who were evidently loyal to some Isoko North PDP politicians, amongst whom were allegedly the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba and others.
Sources also revealed that Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba had hired two groups of thugs stationed at different spots, alleging that Ogorugba had received huge sum of money from one of the aspirants.
Our source who was privy to the alleged plot debunked the involvement of the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Mr. Christian Iteire, as earlier reported.
According to the source, “Ogorugba arranged two sets of thugs. One, to disrupt Askia while addressing the delegates and party officials. While the other group of thugs was stationed at the Otor-Igho Primary School to attack Askia’s convoy on their way out of the community.”
Another revelation claimed that, “In addition to this, the LGA PDP chairman after the presentation of Bashorun Askia, in what could be seen as partisan preconceived response, went on countering whatever Bashorun had presented.
“He cut short persons who were in support of Bashorun in their speeches, claiming he was expecting others who were coming after Bashorun visit. A total disregard for his visitor and very unfriendly in his response.m,” the source alleged.
Reacting to the attack, the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, denied his involvement in the attack against Ogieh by political thugs in his compound.
He said, “I was very angry, I learnt it was some boys from Emevor, Owhelogbo and Ozoro that were stoning him because they said he didn’t give them money.”
The glowing performances in terms of employment and development of Isoko nation, including the rising profile of Bashorun Askia Ogieh, according to sources had sent jitters into the camps of Jonathan Ukodhiko who is also said to be aspiring for the Isoko federal constituency in the 2023 general elections.
“The only option left for Ukodhiko due to his unacceptability is to create trouble everywhere. I will boldly say that this is not the way to go in responsible politics”, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain from Isoko South said.
Ogieh is also a former Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
It could be recalled that Bashorun Askia Ogieh and his entourage during a consultation visit to the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, at Otor-Igho community were attacked by armed political thugs allegedly working for Jonathan Ukodhiko, a fellow aspirant of the same party.
In the attack, two mobile police officers attached to the former DESOPADEC MD, Bashorun Askia and members of his entourage were severely wounded while their vehicles were badly damaged.
No arrest has been made as at the time of filling this report.