…commiserates with family of dead police officer, Akor Inu
The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, has condemned in the strongest terms, the wanton destruction of property and resort to violence by the impeached former Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu, and thugs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the guise of purportedly enforcing a judgement reinstating the former deputy governor in office.
Aziegbemi who addressed journalists at the Party Secretariat on Airport Road, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the incident shows how desperate the APC in Edo State has become in their bid to foist their mute and incoherent candidate on Edo people.
The chairman said 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, condoling with the family of the deceased.
He said, “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.
“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 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.
“It is saddening to hear that an innocent police officer lost his life. 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.”
Aziegbemi continued,”It is common knowledge that when a court gives a judgment, once there is a notice of appeal and an appeal for a stay of execution, the parties are expected to maintain the status quo.
“We advise the impeached deputy governor of Edo State to allow the law to take its full course and stop instigating violence in Edo 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 advise the APC to prepare for the elections instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions.”
Decrying that despite the Commissioner’s intervention, he couldn’t rein in Philip Shaibu and his thugs, leading to this unnecessary loss of life, the PDP chairman noted, “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 candidate 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,” he queried.
Aziegbemi added, “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 percent sure of winning? PDP cannot work against its interest. 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 that lost his life and make its finding public.”
