APC, PDP clash over alleged sponsored protest in Edo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State on Wednesday raised the alarm over some sponsored protests being planned in some parts of Edo State ahead of the week.

This was revealed by Jarret Tenebe, the chairman of the Edo State APC, in a statement provided to reporters in Benin.

Tenebe claimed that these protests are not driven by genuine concerns of Edo State citizens but allegedly sponsored and orchestrated by certain individuals and some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with ulterior motives aimed at disrupting the peace and stability of the state.

The statement reads, “We have received credible intelligence regarding some sponsored protests being planned in some parts of Edo State, scheduled for this week.

“We have reason to believe that these protests are not driven by genuine concerns of Edo State citizens but is, in fact, sponsored and orchestrated by certain individuals and some leaders of the dysfunctional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with ulterior motives aimed at disrupting the peace and stability of Edo State.

“I wish to unequivocally state that Governor Okpebholo respects the fundamental rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression of grievances, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“However, we have observed a pattern of misinformation and deliberate falsehoods being circulated in the lead-up to these planned demonstrations.

“These patterns suggest that the intention is not to engage in constructive dialogue or to highlight legitimate issues, but rather to sow discord, incite unrest, and undermine the progress Edo State has been making since
Senator Monday Okpebholo assumed office as the Governor of Edo State. ”

Tenebe noted that the APC in Edo State has identified specific individuals and groups known to be involved, stressing that “their actions are clearly designed to create unnecessary tension and potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.”

He urged all law-abiding citizens to be vigilant and to distance themselves from these sponsored protests.

Reacting, Publicity Secretary of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee , Chris Nehikhare said APC is not an arm of government but only a political party that should not assume the authority to issue security alerts.

” The All Progressives Congress (APC) must learn to differentiate itself from the government. It cannot assume the authority to issue security alerts unless the government has officially transferred its security responsibilities to the party.

“We are, however, not surprised by this development, as Edo State is currently “under siege.” The government has provided no clues or indications that it can address the state of insecurity it has imposed on Edo State.
“Unfortunately, in Edo we have a case of a butterfly that thinks itself a bird.” Nehikhare said.