One Killed In Nigerian Political Violence

     Lagos- Nigeria (PANA) -- One person was killed and more than 20 others injured in a clash between two factions of the opposition All Peoples Party (APP) in Nigeria's central Kwara state Monday, the local media reported.
      The clash occurred in the state capital, Ilorin, when supporters of a camp opposed to the government sang abusive songs and made uncomplimentary remarks about the APP-controlled state government.
      In the ensuing fracas, the combatants used machetes, guns, charms and clubs.
      The government later deployed mobile policemen to the affected areas to help maintain law and order.
      Government spokesman, Razak Gidado, blamed the clash on the government's opponents.
      "The disturbances are not only politically motivated, but they are also calculated attempts by desperate politicians to distract and derail the government from pursuing its plans to make life more meaningful to the generality of the people of the state," he said.
      As politicians jostle for advantage ahead of the 2003 general polls, political analysts have expressed fears of intra and inter-party violence.
      But Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has assured that his administration would do everything within its powers to make the polls violence-free.