By Iteveh Ekpokpobe
The People Democratic Party (PDP) ward congress in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State has taken a new dimension as thugs allegedly loyal to the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, have battered to the point of death, party faithful and activist, Comrade Bela Ween Odigri.
Bela was allegedly battered by thugs led by brother to the Deputy Speaker, one Felix Ochor and 4 others disposed him of some personal effects including, 4G Smartphone, 200$ (Two Hundred United States of America Dollars) and Nine Thousand Naira.
Recounting his ordeal, Bela said, “I was in Umutu on that fateful day to honor the meeting Hon Ochor Ochor invited us. The Deputy Speaker invited me on phone personally. But before I got there, they were through with the meeting and I left the venue of the meeting. I went back to pick up my personal effects from my place only for one Ochor Felix to pass me along Ozegbe Street Junction and accost me along Igili Road in collaboration with 4 others.
He said, “They assaulted, battered, molest and dehumanized me, alleging that I insulted Hon Ochor Ochor on social media but when I asked him Where and Which post, he couldn’t even say anything rather he and his cohorts continued with the assault and battery boasting that Nigeria Police Force cannot do him anything because he is the brother of the Deputy Speaker.”
“Could it be a mere coincidence that same evening cum day Hon Ochor Ochor invited us for a meeting in Umutu, that Ochor Felix, Hon Ochor Ochor younger brother and 4 others assaulted, battered, molested, dehumanized, almost murdered me and dispossessed me of my valuables? If it’s a mere coincidence, how come Deacon Moses Osaemeke who happens to be the Senior Special Assistant to Hon Ochor Ochor, Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly (brother to the said Ochor Felix) who led 4 others to attack me was all over Umutu Police Station in order to press down the issue and make Nigerian Police Force, Umutu Division to be treating such case with levity?” Bella quizzed.
He called on the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Nigerian Police Force to give attention to the case. “I urge the leadership of the Police to rise up to tell us if Nigeria Police Force has become a willing tool that is at the caprices and whims of Hon Ochor Ochor, Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly that would make his brother to boast that Nigeria Police Force cannot do him anything because he is brother to the Deputy Speaker.”
Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli in his response said described the allegations as spurious and unfounded.
According to him, the Deputy Speaker did not at any time invite Bela Ween Odigri for any meeting neither did he send any of his boys to accost him. “Bela was not invited by the Deputy Speaker. I called the meeting which I did not invite him for. It is surprising that he is today making spurious allegations against the person of the Deputy Speaker.”