- Appeals for prompt police action
It is less than 48 hours to the Governorship election in Edo State on Saturday, 21 September, 2024; and two months after, suspected killers of Inspector Akor Onuh are still walking free on the streets of Benin, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cried out.
Inspector Akor was gruesomely murdered during an arms men attack on the convoy of the APC Governorship candidate; Monday Okpebholo at Airport Road, Benin on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
The attackers were working for the Governor, Godwin Obaseki, the APC alleged. The Party through its State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe in a media briefing in Benin on Thursday, 19 September, 2024, said the suspects pose a threat to free, fair and credible election on Saturday.
The APC alleged on good authority available to it; “the Governor is prepared to unleash these persons on innocent voters on the day of election, as they are now being warehoused at the Government House.
“Following the formidable assurances that the Governor, Obaseki has given to these persons, hence their continuous inflammatory statements that they will burn down Edo State if the candidate of PDP is not declared winner of the Saturday, 21 September, 2024 Governorship election.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Francis Inegbeneki who is one of those on the wanted list of the police was seen in the same vehicle with Governor Obaseki, during the PDP campaigns.
“Furthermore, Chief Odion Olaye; one of the alleged members of the killer squad of Governor Obaseki, was captured on viral video where he was threatening to burn down Edo if Asue Ighodalo is not declared winner of the Saturday’s Governorship election.”
Continuing, the APC alleged that it was aware via intelligent gathering; that Governor Obaseki is working with some Army Generals aimed at determining the legitimacy of the election.
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It added that it is in “public space that the Governor has sewn police uniforms for people who are not policemen; to be used to cause mayhem on the day of election.
“As shown on viral video on the social media, the Governor, Obaseki has directed members of his killer squad to pour petrol on buildings housing the various collation centres where it is perceived that the APC is on the lead.” This is as the Party in its continued allegations said the “Governor who has maintained a posture of a tyrant, had deployed hoodlums along the waterways of the riverine areas of the State.
“Hence, he was at Ologbo yesterday; Wednesday, 18 September, 2024 to give a taxi boat to those domiciled along the riverine area.
” The APC consequently, called on the Police and other security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the suspects are arrested before the election.
“This is because their presence at the election ground is an open invitation to the breakdown of law and order; calling for a reprisal. “While we trust the police to discharge their duties within the established laws, we are concerned about the continuous undesirable freedom being enjoyed by these hoodlums.
” The APC emphasized; that “Edo State must be free from the stronghold of Godwin Obaseki and his political tyrants.” The Party listed alleged suspects as follows; Chief Francis Inegbeneki; Chief Odion Olaye; Austin Edosomwam; Aideyan Ukponmwam; Kingsley Osague; Murtari (Headship of Edo State owned POWA); and Chief David Olukoja. Others are; Aghedo; Osaigbovo Iyoha; Osazee Obazee; Odion Odigie; Akhere Odigie; Noel Mathew; Enojie Luke; Emman Oroto and Osi Imojori.
