By Gbenga Abulude
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of importing armed thugs into the state ahead of the September 19, Governorship Election.
The allegation was made by the Media Campaign Council of the APC.
The party alleged that the Governor has been moving with the thugs during campaigns and urged the police to call him to order as this may lead to proliferation of arms in Edo State.
A statement by the Chairman of the Media Campaign Council, Mr John Mayaki, said insecurity has increased in the state. He wondered why the PDP, out of more than 10 political parties participating in the election, are the ones recording attacks on their convoy.
But debunking the allegation, the Governor’s media aide, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said it was baseless and false.
The statement by Mayaki reads in part, “In a new development that further stretches the tyrannical reach of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the embattled Edo State has been importing thugs to the state.
“A reliable source in the Government House revealed that Obaseki had gone ahead to employ a band of rascals whose only work is to shout themselves to riches, soak a state in conflict, and escort the governor to campaign venues.
“First, the PDP and Mr. Godwin Obaseki sought to rationalize and justify the presence and appearance of the blood-sucking band of men.
“Insecurity in Edo State has worsened and the Governor, rather than invest the security votes he jacked up to 7.5 billion naira annually, chose to hide the funds and pursue selfish ambitions with it.
“It also begs the question: “why is the PDP, of all the contesting political parties and their ongoing campaigns, being the only one assaulted and experiencing violent response from the communities?
“Why is the PDP, out of over 10 contesting political parties, being the one filing reports for imagined attacks on their convoy?
“Where did Obaseki, the governor who failed to win over the agitating Association of Resident Doctors, get the money to fund the unnecessary stock-up of gubernatorial armory, dangerously arming boys that will return home to roost someday?
“We demand an explanation from both the executive government of Edo State, on how and why and what qualifies Edo State government for the procurement of arms and weapons.
“Investigation should be launched into the process of procuring these weapons. Video footage exists of these new Obaseki boys touting the guns and weapons procured for them by the shameless governor, shooting bullets here and there into the thin air, choreographing a horrible display of “clearing road” for the power-drunkard.”
Also, in his reaction, a Senior Special Assistant on Media to the state deputy governor, Mr. Ben Atu, debunked the APC allegation.
“The Deputy Governor has never been linked to any allegation of such in all his years in politics and it is too late for him to double-cross himself like Oshiomhole and his bunch of supporters are currently spinning.
“Philip Shaibu didn’t killed or commit any attrocity to become a Deputy Governor and can’t do such to retain his seat. His political value and worth came from God and God is sufficient enough for him. He is not like them that seek help and protection from Egypt”, Atu said in a statement.
