Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The state Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the police in the state to carry out a thorough investigation into the killing of Inspector Akor Onu, the police orderly of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo, who lost his life in the violence that occurred in Benin on Thursday.
The party also condemned his killing, saying that justice must be served.
The state chairman of the party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, made the call while addressing journalists on the violent crisis.
This is even as he expressed worry over what he described as APC and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s despiration over the 21 September governorship election in Edo.
The statement reads thus:
“The Edo State chapter of The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed shock over the wanton destruction of property and the death of a police officer as a result of the violence orchestrated by thugs of the APC under the guise of enforcing the Abuja Federal High Court’s judgement that reinstated the impeached deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shuaibu.
“The party is worried about the desperation of the APC and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo to cause confusion and chaos in Edo State since they are obviously not ready for the coming governorship election in the state.
“The incidence that happened yesterday at the Benin Airport was unfortunate and unacceptable. It shows how desperate the APC handlers have become in their bid to foist their candidate on Edo people.
“It is quite disheartening that an innocent Police officer lost his life due to the violence unleashed on innocent citizens by the APC led by its governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“It is saddening to hear that an innocent police officer lost his life. The PDP expresses deep sorrow over the death of this gallant officer. We commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray that our good Lord grants him eternal rest.
“It is common knowledge that when a court of first instance gives a judgment, once there is a notice of appeal and an appeal for a stay of execution, the parties are expected to maintain the status quo.
“We advise the impeached deputy governor of Edo State to allow the law take its full course and stop instigating violence in Edo State. He should await the outcome of the judgements of the Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court.
“The APC is advised to rein-in their members as no responsible government will fold its hands and watch hoodlums harass, maim and kill its citizens. He advised the APC to prepare for the elections instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions.
“You are invited to note that the Commissioner of Police was at the Airport where he reportedly showed Philip Shaibu a copy of the Notice of Appeal and stay of Execution filled by respondents.
“We also gave the police intelligence that in many of the cars waiting for the candidate of the APC and Philip Shaibu at the Airport were stocked with guns and dangerous weapons. POSER! Why was the commissioner’s order floated and he did not act to stop the violence thereafter.
“We hereby call on the security services to thoroughly investigate the incident, carry out an autopsy on the officer that lost his life and make its finding public,” Aziegbemi added.