The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is causing confusion and chaos in the state to garner Federal Government support because it is obvious that he cannot win the election.
According to report the state chairman of the party, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi made the allegations at a press briefing in Benin City on Friday.
Aziegbemi also alleged that the Thursday violence at the Benin Airport that led to the death of the APC governorship’s police orderly was masterminded by the reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, and thugs of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the guise of purportedly enforcing a judgement.
He said the incident allegedly shows how desperate the APC in Edo State has become in their bid to foist their mute and incoherent candidate on Edo people.
According to him: “PDP is worried about the desperation of the APC and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to cause confusion and chaos in Edo State since they are obviously not ready for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
“The mindless act resulted in the breakdown of law and order in the state, with the infliction of various degrees of injuries on passersby and security operatives and the loss of the life of a policeman, which was avoidable.
“The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed shock over the wanton destruction of property and the death of a police officer as a result of the violence orchestrated by thugs of the APC under the guise of enforcing the Abuja Federal High Court’s judgement that reinstated the impeached deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu.
“The incident that happened yesterday at the Benin Airport was unfortunate and unacceptable. It shows how desperate the APC handlers have become in their bid to foist their candidate on Edo people.
“It is quite disheartening that an innocent police officer lost his life due to the violence unleashed on innocent citizens by the APC, led by its governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“The PDP expresses deep sorrow over the death of this gallant officer. We commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray that our good Lord grants him eternal rest,” he said.
He opined that it was common knowledge that when a court gives a judgement, once there is a notice of appeal and an appeal for a stay of execution, the parties are expected to maintain the status quo.
He, however, advised Philip Shaibu to allow the law to take its full course and stop allegedly instigating violence in the state.
“He should await the outcome of the judgement of the appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court.
“The APC is advised to rein in their members as no responsible government will fold its hands and watch hoodlums harass, maim, and kill its citizens.
“We also advise the APC to prepare for the elections instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions”,he added.
Aziegbemi who decried the Commissioner of police’s intervention, noted that he couldn’t rein in Philip Shaibu and his thugs, leading to the unnecessary loss of life.
“The Commissioner of Police was at the airport, where he reportedly showed Philip Shaibu a copy of the Notice of Appeal and stay of execution filed.
“Police also had intelligence that many of the cars waiting for the candidates of the APC and Philip Shaibu at the airport were stocked with guns and dangerous weapons. So, why was the commissioner’s order flouted and he did not act to stop the violence thereafter?
“In all, human beings will always protect their self-interest. In whose interest is it to cause any mayhem in Edo a few months to an election that the PDP is 100 per cent sure of winning?
“PDP cannot work against its interests. It is therefore opined that the APC, with their new convert, Shaibu, orchestrated and executed plans to cause maximum fear in our people before the elections.
“We hereby call on the security services to thoroughly investigate the incident and carry out an autopsy on the officer who lost his life and make its findings public,” he stated.
