Edo PDP accuses Okpebholo govt of fueling anarchy

Chairman of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, on Tuesday, expressed worry over what he described as very troubling and disturbing developments in the state under the All Progressives Congress-led administration, which, if not appropriately addressed, could spell doom for democracy.

Briefing newsmen in Benin, Aziegbemi accused the state governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo, of running a government that is not interested in accountability and transparency but is promoting anarchy to distort efforts at reclaiming the mandate duly given to the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the September 21 governorship election.

Aziegbemi said that Okpebholo, through his actions and inactions, is setting a dangerous tone for crisis and a breach of public peace since assuming office just 14 days ago.

He said, “It has become imperative to draw the attention of the public and other stakeholders to the very troubling and disturbing developments in Edo State under the All Progressives Congress-led administration, which, if not appropriately addressed, could spell doom for our democracy and serve as a recipe for anarchy and instability, thereby threatening the peace, progress, and security of our dear state.

“It is most unfortunate and disappointing that in just 14 days in office, the governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, through his actions and inactions, has succeeded in setting a dangerous tone for crisis and breach of public peace. We are worried that this troubling precedent may just be an ignition for a conflagration that may well be avoided.”

He alleged that just last week, the APC mobilised thugs to attack the PDP Secretariat on Airport Road in Benin City in their desperation to intimidate and frustrate the party’s efforts at reclaiming the mandate duly given to the PDP and Ighodalo in the September 21 governorship election.

Aziegbemi added that, in the same manner, political thugs working for the government as “government vehicle recovery agents,” led by a chieftain of the APC in the state, broke into the private residence of the immediate past governor of the state, HE Godwin Obaseki, in Gestapo style, assaulting and harassing security personnel at the premises.

“This is most reprehensible and unacceptable, and we urge relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate these barbaric attacks and ensure that the perpetrators of these lawless and dastardly acts are brought to book.”

Aziegbemi, however, called on all Edo people, civil society organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to beam their attention on the Okpebholo administration to prevent a descent into avoidable chaos, with dire consequences for the peace and security of the state.

In reaction to the allegations, Mr Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, said that the factional chapter of the PDP in Edo State is yet to accept the clear reality that it has assumed the arduous role of an opposition party, adding that the Governor of Edo State is in a hurry to develop the state.

“Since his inauguration a fortnight ago, he has remained undaunted, living up to the people’s expectations.

“Barely one week in office, he addressed and solved what the Godwin Obaseki-led administration could not confront in eight years. He has banned the activities of touts across various markets in Edo State, hired by the Obaseki-led administration,” Itua said.