The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday called on security agencies to investigate how a police aide of Senator Monday Okpebholo, Inspector Onu Ako, was killed and carry out an autopsy on him.
The state chairman of the party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi who made the call while addressing journalists in Benin City, expressed shock over the destruction of property and the death of the police officer as a result of the violence allegedly orchestrated by thugs of the APC under the guise of enforcing the Abuja Federal High Court judgement that reinstated the impeached deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shuaibu.
He said the PDP was worried about the desperation of the APC and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to cause confusion and chaos in Edo State since they are not ready for the coming governorship election in the state.
“The incident 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.”
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 to 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”, Aziegbemi said.
He advised the APC to check their members as no responsible government will fold its hands and watch hoodlums harass, maim and kill citizens, just as he advised the party to prepare for the elections instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions.
Earlier, the state commissioner for communication and orientation, Chris Nehikhare, while addressing journalists, also blamed the police for not providing adequate security at the airport and called on the federal government to set up a panel to unravel what happened.