By Simon Ebegbulem  & Gabriel Enogholase

SECURITY agents averted what could have resulted in a bloody clash at the Benin Airport Saturday, between members of the Chief Tony Anenih faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and those of Dr Samuel Ogbemudia’s faction who stormed the airport to welcome President Goodluck Jonathan, who was on his way to Oghara, Delta State for the commissioning of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital and the headquarters of the Nigerian Navy Logistics Command.

But reacting swiftly, the state chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, who has been attending the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party, accused the Action Congress led government in the state of sponsoring Elder Sunny Uyigue who is leading the Ogbemudia  group, to cause crisis in the party.

Elder Uyigue, defending himself accused Chief Anenih of alleged dictatorial tendencies in the state PDP, which according to him is the cause of the lingering crisis in the state party. He warned that the crisis would continue unless the new national chairman of the party, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, waded in.

President Goodluck Jonathan with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as he cuts the tape to commission the Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara Saturday. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Sunday Vanguard observed that the drama started as early as 7am, when supporters of the two groups displayed their banners welcoming the President and danced round the airport. Tension heightened when the supporters wanted to turn the show into a physical fight which suddenly attracted the attention of the State Security agents who stopped the display of banners by both groups.