The Edo State Government has accused the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring the arrest of over 10 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, including Esan West local government council chairman, Collins Aigbogun, over alleged political violence.
Reacting to the arrest, the state commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, at a press conference in Benin yesterday, charged security agencies to halt the incessant arrest of PDP leaders and supporters ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
Similarly, chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Newman Ugiagbe, condemned Aigbogun’s assault and arrest, adding that it was a clear violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
The reaction of the state government and ALGON comes after the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, yesterday confirmed the arrest of the Esan West local government council chairman, Aigbogun, over alleged political violence.
Recall that APC in Edo State had petitioned the Inspector General of Police over political violence that erupted in Illeh community, Esan West Local area as the APC fingered the Council boss to be responsible for the alleged violence.
However, addressing journalists at the police headquarters in Benin, CP Edwin-Iwo, said the council boss was brought to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the command in Benin by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area upon police invitation.
Confirming that the detained council chairman reported himself to the police, the Police commissioner said, “Basically, what happened was that he brutalises somebody in the course of altercations between himself and other party members.
“He was invited and the DPO in the area brought him to the State CID where it was discovered earlier before now, he had other charges against him.
“Our men from FID came and said that the man has earlier been wanted and there was need for them to take him along so that they can investigate his matter.
“That was how he was moved to Abuja. The whole thing is being investigated and I hope that at the end of the day, if there is anything against him, he will be brought back to Benin,” he said.
Reacting to the arrest, the state commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, at a press conference in Benin yesterday charged security agencies to halt the incessant arrest of PDP leaders and supporters in the state ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
While he said no amount of intimidation would make the APC win the governorship election, he accused the APC of being behind the arrests, noting “Some of our members have been in detention for the past two months without being charged to court.”
He added, “Let the APC explain to us where our members and leaders are? Why have they not been charged to court since their arrest? Instead, the APC have been boasting of their plans to attack, intimidate, and harass PDP members and supporters.” Nehikhare demanded.
Meanwhile, the ALGON chairman in the state Newman Ugiagbe, said “ALGON urgently calls upon the relevant security agencies, including the Attorney General, Commissioner of Police Edo State, AIG Zone 5, and all concerned security authorities to take immediate action in investigating and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
“It is disheartening to note that the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be resorting to violence and intimidation tactics, including unwarranted attacks on PDP members. Such unprovoked assaults must be addressed swiftly to prevent further harm and ensure a free and fair electoral process. ” Ugiagbe said.
He called on all stakeholders, political parties, and security agencies to work together to safeguard the rights and safety of all citizens during the governorship election in Edo.
“We urge the authorities to prioritize the investigation of this assault and hold the culprits accountable for their actions. Violence has no place in our democratic society, and we must all strive to uphold the principles of justice and equality for the benefit of all, and we demand the immediate release of Hon.
“Collins Aigbogun, Chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, who is the complainant but suddenly being victimized by the police from Force Headquarters in Abuja,” Ugiagbe said.