Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, has raised the alarm over alleged illegal arrest of members of the party by personnel of the Nigeria Police.
Newspot reports that Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director- General Asue/ Ogie Campaign Management Council, raised the alarm at a press conference on Sunday in Benin City.
Iduoriyekemwen alleged that some members of the party have been arrested while others are on the wanted list.
He listed some of the arrested chieftains of the party to include Mr Amos Tom and Kingsley Osahon, the Councillor representing Ward 10 in Esan North East Local Government Area.
He also alleged that the whereabouts of several other members of the PDP are currently unknown.
“We are also aware that they have compiled a list of prominent PDP chieftains from across the State’s three senatorial districts, and even procured fake court warrants of arrest with names of PDP members, whom they plan to abduct to weaken the PDP ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
“Among the names believed to be on this list include, Chief Odion Olaye, Chief Francis Inegbiniki, Chief B. Olukoga, Mr Festus Osaigbovo,Dr. Kelly Inedegbor, Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area, among others whose identities have yet to be confirmed.
“It is rather unfortunate that while the PDP is diligently working, moving from ward to ward and local government to local government actively campaigning across various platforms, articulating their programmes and initiatives for the people of Edo State, the opposition parties are attempting to weaponize the police against the people.
“The Police officers must remember that they are funded by tax payer’s money and must not allow themselves to be used against the people,” he said.
Iduoriyekemwen warned that the resort to harassment and intimidation is a recipe for anarchy.
He, however, called on the Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 5, the Edo State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to step in and stop the harassment and intimidation of members of the party with a view to prevent a descent to anarchy in the state.
He also called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), other stakeholders and the international community to turn their attention to Edo State and take note of the alleged disturbing pattern of harassment and intimidation of the party’s members by the Police in the build-up to the Edo State Governorship election.
“We will continue to market our candidates to the Edo People and resist every form of harassment and intimidation by any institution or agency of government,” he added.
When contacted the Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, asked our correspondent to send a text message, saying he couldn’t talk at the moment.
“I will get back to you please,” he added. But he is yet to do so as at the time of filing this report.
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