Crisis mars ward congress in Benue, as Udenzi acknowledges hitches

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Congress Committee for Benue, Chike Udenzi has acknowledged certain hitches in the conduct of last Saturday’s wards congress in the state.

He stated this during an interaction with journalists in Makurdi, yesterday, maintaining that party members had preconceived notion that the congress would be hijacked.

He further disclosed that his committee was inundated with over 32 petitions which would be handled by a three man appeal panel led by Umar Nadada.

Udenzi said Konshisha local government had issues and only concluded their congress yesterday, adding that in Okpokwu someone was allegedly killed.

“There was apprehension but we did our best to calm down nerves. We tried to accommodate all shades of opinion. In spite of all necessary distraction we remained focus. I believe that in good conscience we have done a good job and the end has justified the means”, Chike said boastfully.

In an ugly development, three (3) persons were feared dead in Ado while the chairman of the council Mr. Alex Ogaba was beaten to pulp and almost stripped naked for attempting to snatch electoral materials.

This is just as the Benue State Police Command has arrested a man with a locally made pistol in Kwande local government area of the state while trying to attack people with electoral materials meant to be used during last Saturday’s ward congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Hyacinth Dagala who disclosed this yesterday in Makurdi said eight other persons were arrested in Buruku, and two in Katsina-Ala.