Demonstrators clash in Delta over calls for Uduaghan’s probe

Violence erupted yesterday in Asaba, Delta State, between youths who urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and those loyal to him.

The pro-Uduaghan group confronted the demonstrators, who urged the EFCC to investigate the ex-governor for alleged financial impropriety. One of the groups, The Guardian learnt had planned the rally to hold at the Cenotaph, before the other group changed the rally to Government House Asaba when they learnt of the planned attack.

The protesters sang solidarity songs carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “Search all Uduaghan’s houses for there are bunkers there,” “Okowa you started the anti- corruption war,” Uduaghan used over N1 billion to build gutters,” “I stand for jail Uduaghan,” amongst others.

However, the anti-Uduaghan protesters had hardly gathered at Government House gate on Anwai Road when the pro-Uduaghan group, armed with broken bottles, knives, sticks and other dangerous weapons, swooped on them.

They fled as the pro-Uduaghan group kicked, pushed, shoved them and tore up their placards and banners in their determination to break up the protest.

Leader of the anti-Uduaghan group, Mr. Oliver Fejiro, who spoke after they regrouped in another part of Asaba, insisted that Uduaghan must be brought to justice for all the atrocities he committed as governor of the state between 2007 and 2015.