Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Mr. Tony Aziegbemi, has voiced serious concerns over what he describes as a worrying pattern of bias by the Nigerian police, favoring the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the state approaches its upcoming election. In a press release made available to Truth Live News, Mr Aziegbemi highlighted several incidents suggesting that the police have been acting in a manner that appears partial to the APC, disregarding the complaints of other political actors.
Aziegbemi referenced the recent arrest of Reverend Olu Martins, Deputy Director-General of Media and Publicity for the PDP Election Campaign Council. According to Aziegbemi, Martins was arrested, molested, and arraigned in court following a petition filed by the APC. Despite meeting the necessary bail conditions, Martins’ case was adjourned. This swift police action stands in stark contrast to the lack of response to a petition Aziegbemi himself submitted. His petition concerned a threat made by the APC’s Edo State Chairman, who allegedly threatened to mobilize people to stone the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. Despite providing video evidence, no action has been taken by the police.
“Martins was arrested within five days of making his comments, yet no action has been taken against the APC chairman despite the seriousness of his threats,” Aziegbemi stated. He further criticized the police for their inaction regarding recent violence allegedly perpetrated by APC-linked thugs. On July 18, these thugs reportedly caused chaos along Benin Airport Road, resulting in property destruction and the death of Police Inspector Onuh Akor. Despite video evidence and a newspaper publication identifying the thugs, Aziegbemi claims no arrests have been made.
Aziegbemi also alleged that a tactical police team from Abuja has been deployed to harass and arrest PDP members based on APC petitions. “The police are making life unbearable for PDP members and their families, following them everywhere,” he said.
With the September 21 governorship election approaching, Aziegbemi stressed the importance of the Nigerian police upholding their obligations to maintain public peace and ensure justice for all. He called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene, urging the police force to act impartially and not become a tool for the APC’s political agenda.
“We are concerned about this pattern of abuse of justice dangerously perpetuated by the Nigerian police force, especially in the run-up to the elections. This trend must be checked to ensure peace in the state,” Aziegbemi concluded. He emphasized that the police are funded by taxpayer money and should act in the public interest rather than serving the interests of any political party.