Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed concern over the sporadic arrests of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state ahead of the September 21 election. Governor Obaseki raised alarm over the arrests, stating that the plan is to target as many PDP stalwarts as possible, including himself if necessary.
Speaking out against the arrests to Truth Live News and other reputable media houses, Governor Obaseki warned that the trend poses a dangerous threat to democracy. He criticized the Commissioner of Police for allegedly undermining his authority as the chief security officer of the state. Governor Obaseki highlighted the importance of upholding democracy and ensuring that every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, is protected by the police force.
The governor revealed that he had attempted to address the issue with the Commissioner of Police, but had not received a response. He expressed his intention to raise the matter with the Inspector General of Police, who is scheduled to visit Benin the following day. Governor Obaseki stressed that citizens of Edo State should be tried within the state if they commit a crime, rather than being transferred to Abuja.
He said “the police force is supposed to protect every Nigerian and not some.
“I called the commissioner of police yesterday when I heard they had arrested one of you and he said he was going to get back to me.
“As I am speaking now, I have not heard from him. I understand that that person has been transferred to Abuja.
”It is unconstitutional, It is not right.
I am the chief security officer of Edo State
If a citizen of Edo State commits a crime in Edo, he should be arrested and charged in Edo State and not abducted to Abuja.
“I am going to make this known to the inspector general of police and if the plan is not to have elections in Edo then the world will know.”
Governor Obaseki called on the people of Edo State to remain peaceful and await the visit of the Inspector General of Police. He promised to convey his concerns to the police leadership and underscored the potential consequences of creating a crisis in Edo State. The governor urged for a peaceful resolution to the situation to prevent any escalation that could impact the peace and stability of the state and the country at large.
He concluded by saying; “they are creating a very very dangerous situation.
“Edo is a very unique state and they should not hold anybody responsible if they create crisis in Edo, because a crisis in Edo, can snowball into anything and we don’t want it for Nigeria”
As the Edo elections draws close, tensions and rumors of unrest have not been abated by the mistrust between the police and the ruling party in the state.
The craftniness of Nigeria politicians and the police force in nigeria ???????? calls for some discussion, arresting Edolites and taking them to Abuja will not make them to win an election in Edo state, the state is too complex,the IG had better watch it and becareful of whatever crime or activities they intend to carry out in Edo state is for sure will not work.CP,AIG and IG watch it ooooooo.