Billboard war: APGA, APC supporters clash in Anambra

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PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga

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By Madu Obi

Supporters of the the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and those of All Progressives Congress, APC, have clashed at Agukwu Nri, Anaocha local government area of Anambra State, over alleged destruction of the billboards of the governorship candidates of the two parties for the November 8 election.

Both parties had events in the town and their supporters were seen at the popular square in the town dancing with their flags. Suddenly, the charged atmosphere turned violent and supporters started pulling down the billboards of their opponents..

While APGA, led by a legal practitioner known as Ezeafia was hosting the governor of the state and APGA candidate, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for the flag off of a road construction in the town, the governorship running mate of APC, Senator Uche Ekwunife, was also hosting her party's supporters.

Trouble was said to have started when some supporters of APC accused those of APGA of allegedly bringing down billboards of their party for non payment of signage fee. According to an eyewitness, the altercations escalated, leading to the intervention of the police operatives present.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has ordered thorough investigation into the matter.

According to the PPRO, both parties have already been invited to the state police headquarters to explain their level of involvement in the incident.

A statement by Ikenga said: "The State Police command swiftly intervened and restored calm following a report of the political squabble.

The incident reportedly arose after supporters of an opposing political party allegedly pulled down three campaign billboards belonging to another party leading to a brief disturbance in the area.

Parties involved in the matter were immediately invited for a peace meeting aimed at de-escalating the tension. However, a mutual agreement was reached to replace the removed billboards without delay, despite claims that the removal was due to non-payment of signage fees."

Ikenga said the CP has urged political actors and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the ambit of the law.

The CP, he added, has further directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Political Desk to ensure that they uphold the already agreed pact by the parties, or to carry out a more discreet investigation.