By Kadiri Christopher
The Director General of the Asue Ighodalo Campaign Organization, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, has recently accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, over the usage of the Federal Government led Nigeria Police to allegedly oppress members of the Edo State ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Addressing newsmen at a press briefing in Benin City, Hon Iduoriyekemwen referred to the recent shooting at the Benin Airport which led to the death of a serving Nigeria Police inspector.
According to him, "Regarding the events of Thursday, 18th July, 2024, the Edo State APC, under the guide of federal might, has used the Nigeria Police Force to harass members of our Peoples Democratic Party. Contrary to their claims, the PDP has conducted and will continue to conduct peaceful and violence free campaigns. We have no intention of engaging in violence against any political party, its members, or candidates.
"Videos circulating on social media platforms, including YouTube, clearly show the perpetrators of the violence on the Airport Road, Benin City. These individuals, identified as known thugs affiliated with the Edo State APC, were seen brandishing sophisticated weapons. We urge the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate this matter, as petitions have already been submitted by the State Government and the PDP.
"Following this incident, we have witnessed an alarming increase in harassment and violence perpetrated by political thugs associated with the APC. Innocent citizens and residents of Edo State, especially those supporting the PDP and our candidate, Barr Asue Ighodalo, have been targeted. Such actions are directed affront to the freedoms enshrined in Nigeria's Electoral Act, which allows citizens to support their preferred candidates freely.
"A few days ago, Comrade Philip Shaibu attempted to forcefully and violently take over the Deputy Governor's office, cutting court injunction. This incident tragically resulted in the death of Inspector Okon, a gallant officer of the Nigeria Police Force. We mourn his loss and extend our condolences to his family. The circumstances surrounding his death, including the identity of the shooter, remain unclear.
"It is particularly alarming and of concern that thugs loyal to Edo State APC have been parading the streets, destroying vehicles and assaulting individuals wearing PDP campaign materials. A female director of the PDP campaign was beaten and her vehicle was destroyed. Despite her report to the police, no action has been taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. We urge the Inspector General of Police to act impartially and not favour any political party.
"Furthermore, pertinent questions need to be asked of Comrade Philip Shaibu. Why did he ignore the Commissioner's advice? How did the armed thugs get to the airport and what did they plan to achieve with violence?
"We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police to call Comrade Philip Shaibu, Tony Kabaka, Ebo Stone, and one Pastor KC Nwanchukwu to order. Any further assault on PDP members or supporters will result in them being held accountable.
"As a political party, we will resist any attempt by other parties or campaign organizations to use external force to intimidate, harass, or molest us during our peaceful campaign or undermine our democratic process. The Edo APC's boast of using federal might to capture Edo State through undemocratic means disregards the wishes of the people of Edo. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remember that he is now the father of all Nigerians, not just the APC, and urge him to act as a father to the nation and ensure a fair and just democratic process.
"Finally, I urge all members, followers, and supporters of the People's Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, and Osarodion Ogie to remain steadfast in their support. Do not be intimidated nor disenfranchised by those who claim to have "federal might" . Nigeria is a democracy, not a one-party state", he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Director in charge of Media Publicity, Rev Olu Martins highly condemned the act of sporadic shooting which he described as "political cacophony".
According to Rev Martins, "There's no one with two heads. No one owns Edo more than others".
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