A top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Commissioner in Edo State, Dr. Omokaro Izevbigie, is said to be lying critically ill at the Specialist Hospital, Benin City, after he allegedly engaged in fistcuffs with another PDP chieftain and former state chairman of Oil and Gas, Hon. Larry Ogieva.
Sources within the party in the state said the fight that got Izevbigie hospitalised took place last Monday, as a result of a lingering fight between the duo over party supremacy within Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
However, it was learnt that the incident of last week occurred at the party office of the former state Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, when some of the party members took a list of people for possible employment to him.
Huhuonline.com learnt that a disagreement over who should submit the authentic list to Imasuen, who is now the South-South leader of the PDP, resulted in the altercation that eventually got the former Commissioner rushed to the hospital.
A party source, who was at the scene of the incident, told Huhuonline.com that, “that day, we had taken a list to Imasuen. My name was in the list and I decided to monitor it till it got to the former Governor.
“But there has been serious disagreement between Ogieva and Izevbigie concerning who should have more powers and influence in the party especially in that area.
“Now, the list that was written emanated from Izevbigie and Ogieva did not like this. He wanted his own list to be honoured or that Izevbigie is supposed to liaise with him before coming up with the list.”
He said while they openly quarreled and insulted themselves to the disappointment of junior party members, Ogieva slapped Izevbigie.
“Izevbigie attempted to retaliate but was held back by the crowd, so he started shouting and telling Nosa Ogieva, Larry’s elder brother, to call him to order when Larry charged at him with blows.
“Izevbigie collapsed as a result of the impact of the blows and had to be rushed to the hospital.
“I know he would have died if he was not quickly rescued.”
Huhuonline.com understands that Ogieva has been on the run since the incident occurred, as the police is said to be searching for him. The case, it was learnt, was reported at the Airport Road Police Station located at the city Centre.
While Izevbigie confirmed the incident and expressed shock at what led to his current predicament, the former Deputy Governor has remained silent over the issue.
