The Edo State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday alleged that the state police command is acting like a wing of the All Progressives Congress as the September 21 governorship election draws near.
Chairman of the state PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, who stated this at a press conference in Benin, said the disposition might rob the election of the needed playing field for a free and fair election.
The chairman alleged that the PDP has witnessed instances where the police acted in manners that suggest that they were favourably disposed to the opposition party in the state
He said, “This is to express our concern over the police disposition to a level playing field for parties ahead of the September 21, governorship election in the state.
“The party has witnessed instances in which the police acted in manners that suggest that they are a wing of the All Progressives Congress.
“The operatives’ actions and inactions at the state and national level in the wake of developments
appeared to be that they are disposed only of petitions raised
by the APC.”
The PDP chair said disregarding complaints by other actors in the polity portends an ominous sign as the election in Edo State is barely two months away.
Aziegbemi said a few weeks ago, the Deputy Director of Media for the PDP Election Campaign Council, Rev. Olu Martins was invited and arrested by the police based on a petition against him.
He noted that Martins was subsequently arraigned in court and granted bail after meeting the necessary bail conditions set by the trial Judge.
He added, “However, I, the chairman of the PDP in Edo State wrote a petition over comments by the chairman of the State’s chapter of the APC where he threatened to mobilise and lead youths to stone Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
“A video evidence of this threat and an accompanying petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State.
“Surprisingly, no action has been taken on the matter since the petition was submitted, unlike the swift manner in which the Police responded to the petition against Martins.
“The police have also deployed a tactical team of policemen to arrest and harass at least 22
members and leaders of the PDP who are currently under heavy surveillance,” he added.
Reacting, the State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye said the cases have been transferred to Abuja, adding, “whatever observations or comments anybody has should be directed to Abuja.”
