By Peter Okutu

ABAKALIKI—THE leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State yesterday alleged that desperate supporters of Governor Martin Elechi were those behind the fire which took place at the state House of Assembly complex in the early hours of Tuesday.

*Gov Elechi

It further alleged that the group was equally plotting to burn down the deputy governor’s lodge, the campaign secretariat of the deputy governor, the state party secretariat and speaker’s lodge, in their desperation to create an atmosphere of insecurity and political unrest in the state.

According to the party, no amount of desperation by the leadership and members of Labour Party, LP will hinder President Goodluck Jonathan and the state PDP governorship candidate, Engr. Dave Umahi, from winning at the polls.

In a statement by the Acting state chairman, Acting state Secretary and state Publicity Secretary, Chief Joseph Onwe, Chief Simon Anyigor and Apostle Benjamin Obaji respectively, the party pointed out that Governor Martin Elechi was no longer fit as a credible leader of the party in the state, following his anti-party activities.

“We, therefore, urge the President and the national leadership of PDP to stop inviting Governor Martin Elechi and his wife for strategic meetings.

“They should be regarded as members of two opposition political parties, namely the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Labour Party as Martin Elechi is never and will never be what he claims to be. And if anyone is in doubt, he should ask any major stakeholder in Ebonyi State,” the party said.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Deputy Coordinator of PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, has described as false the claim in some quarters that the governor was supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.

According to the former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Governor Martin Elechi cannot be claiming to support President Jonathan when he (Elechi) never participated in any PDP rally, including its flag-off in Ikwo local government area of the state.