The Edo State APC Campaign Council has raised a red alert, accusing Governor Godwin Obaseki of planning to shut down Edo State through mass protests starting on September 15, 2024.
In a press statement issued by the director of media, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the council alleged that the governor is enlisting the support of other PDP-controlled states to join the protest, with the intention of inviting military intervention at the federal level.
The statement alleged that Governor Obaseki outlined his plan during a meeting he presided over at the Edo State Government House on Osadebey Avenue, Benin City, on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
The meeting was reportedly attended by individuals complicit in the killing of Inspector Akor Onu, who, according to the APC Campaign Council, have yet to surrender to the police.
“We understand that Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sanni Fodio, head of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is shielding these individuals,” Afegbua alleged, adding that the officer is working closely with Obaseki’s Chief Security Officer to frustrate law enforcement efforts.
The press statement further alleged that last week, seven APC members and three PDP members were arrested by the Commander of the 4th Brigade at Inikorogha. While the PDP members were allegedly released immediately by ACP Fodio, the APC members were detained until their legal team intervened on Sunday.
The APC Campaign Council recalled that Governor Obaseki previously threatened that if any of his loyalists were arrested, “Nigeria will burn.” Afegbua stated, “We are for democracy, rule of law, and not for military rule. The security agencies must act now before this situation escalates.”
The statement also revealed that Governor Obaseki is encouraging other PDP-controlled states to delay the resumption of schools as part of a nationwide protest, which he hopes will lead to a change of government through a military takeover.
“He reportedly told the meeting that he would rather disrupt the country for a change of government than lose Edo State to the opposition APC,” Afegbua said.
The APC Campaign Council then called on security agencies, particularly the Inspector General of Police, to take urgent action to prevent a breakdown of law and order, as the Edo governorship election is just two weeks away. The statement concluded, “We pray the security agencies rise to the challenge in good time before it is too late.”
Governor Obaseki has yet to respond to the allegations at the time of this report.
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