Supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State on Wednesday clashed at the premises of the Federal High Court in Benin City, the Edo State capital during the hearing of the case between House of Representatives member, Hon Johnson Oghuma and Comrade Julius Abuda.
Comrade Abuda has dragged Hon. Oghuma and the Edo APC to court over the conduct of party primary in Etsako Federal Constituency.
Abuda is asking the court to declare him the winner of the APC Estako Federal constituency primary.
Counsel to both parties hurriedly left the court when a fight broke out between the two rivals supporters.
Three persons were injured in the fracas.
Comrade Abuda, in a statement, said it was shocking for Hon Oghuma to bring thugs to the court premises.
”On Tuesday 17th January 2019, we produced our two witnesses, their lawyer G.C Igbokwe crossed examined us and we submitted our evidences to the court.
“It was the day of the defendants, INEC, APC and Oghuma to produce their witnesses to be crossed examined by our lawyers.
“Everything went on well. The court later adjourned to 20th February 2019, for further hearing and we left the court. One of Oghuma boy Nurudeen a.k.a, (I (must do) led other thugs to attacked my supporters and lawyers.
“Johnny brought two branded buses loaded with thugs and armed policemen. Thank God it was witnessed by court staff. Why must a lawmaker voted, bring in untamed thugs to court knowing the implication”
But Hon. Oghuma, who denied storming the court with thugs said he was not at the court premises when the attack took place.
The lawmaker who said he was sure of victory at the court and the general election said he won in the 31 wards at the party’s primary.
“He must be out of his mind. Tell him I said so. Why do I need thugs for a case I know by the grace of God I will win.
“If there was disagreement between his boys who insulted my lawyer Barr GC Igbokwe SAN and one of my men who could not bear his attitude challenged him even when I was not there now amount to my bringing thugs to court. He Abuda was not even in court.
“Abuda claimed there was no primary but I won the primary and I tendered all the result sheets and every necessary document that proved there was primary and I won 31 wards as against the one ward he won.”
The Nation
