Thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party Friday nearly marred the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Edo State for the foundation laying ceremony of the $1 billion (about N165 billion) Azura Gas-powered Independent Power Project in Benin City.
The timely intervention by soldiers who were mobilized from nearby Air Force Base brought the situation under control as they quickly took charge, dispersing the unruly thugs from the airport before the President’s plane touched down at 10:42 am.
The President’s visit which was to show solidarity with the Edo State Government led by Comrade Adams Eric Oshiomhole for attracting such a huge investment to the state and the country was temporarily hijacked by hired PDP thugs who stormed the Airport in their numbers chanting anti-Oshiomhole songs.
The hoodlums assaulted some senior officials of the Edo State Government, including Secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Patrick Obahiagbon, Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Anselm Ojezua and some civil commissioners.
Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions including placards of some PDP aspirants, the thugs disrupted activities at the Airport for several minutes as a combined team of soldiers and Policemen had a hectic time controlling them.
However, PDP men who were also at the airport to receive the President including its Chairman in the state, Chief Dan Orbih, suspended Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Mr Festus Ebea, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, among others, were left untouched and did nothing to bring the PDP thugs to order.
The President was received at the Airport by Governor Adams Eric Oshiomhole and they both flew in the President’s helicopter to the venue of the Foundation-laying ceremony.
It was the second visit of the President to Edo State, in two weeks, having attended a PDP South-South rally held in Benin City on Saturday, 27 September.