Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday reacted to properties belonging to the People Democratic Party chieftains which were marked for demolition and submitted that
Governor Monday Okpeholo was weaponising the fight against criminality to intimidate, harass and silence members of the opposition.
The party also mocked the governor’s increase of workers’ wages to N5, 000, describing it as an insult and a mockery of workers.
Speaking at a press conference at its secretariat in Benin City, the chairman of the state PDP caretaker committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said while the party supported genuine efforts to combat insecurity and cult-related violence, such efforts must not be politicised or used as a cover to oppress the opposition.
“We called this press conference to draw the attention of Edo people, and indeed all Nigerians, to a very dangerous and disturbing trend perpetrated by the APC-led government of Senator Monday Okpebholo, in its apparent desperation to intimidate, harass and silence opposition in the state.
“We want to unequivocally state that we are in support of every genuine policy and initiative that the state government brings to bear in the fight against cultism, criminality and other related crimes in Edo State.
“As a responsible party, we do not support the rising insecurity and killings going on in the state, and expect the government to use every legitimate means within its power to bring these acts to an end. We maximally support all sincere efforts in this regard.
“We also take this opportunity to commiserate with all families who have lost their loved ones during this period. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we pray that God grants you the strength to bear the losses.”