Okpebholo, APC Overwhelmed by Security Crisis, Resorting to Blame Games to Target, Attack Opposition – PDP

…uncovers plans to fabricate false stories to demolish houses, properties of PDP leaders, members

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State chapter has alleged that the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) are overwhelmed by security crisis, resorting to blames games to target, attack the opposition party in the state.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the caretaker committee made available to newsmen in Benin, the state capital.

The statement read:

“Having become clearly overwhelmed by the security crisis in Edo State and having lost control of the violent crime and criminality running amok in the State, the Monday Okpebholo-led government has now resorted to blame games, desperately attempting to use the crisis as a means of targeting and attacking the opposition, threatening them with arrest and physical attacks.

“We have received reports from credible sources that Okpebholo and his agents also plan to cook up stories to implicate PDP members and stalwarts so that they can illegally target their houses and other properties for demolition.

“It is unfortunate, shameful, appalling, and disappointing that a government that is supposed to protect the lives and property of the people has now thrown its arms up in surrender. From its panicky and politically sinister plans, the government is indirectly admitting that they have no plan or clue on how to address the devastating insecurity crisis in the State, which has claimed the lives of at least 40 innocent Edo citizens across various communities in the past two weeks.

“Rather than seeking help, Okpebholo and his cronies have now resorted to blaming the opposition. What we, the PDP have done is to raise the alarm and play our role of keeping the government on its toes, ensuring it rises to its responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the people of Edo State.

“We understand that this turnaround to heap blame on the opposition is merely a pretext to launch violent attacks on opposition members and their properties. This is not only ridiculous and reprehensible but also a clear sign of failed leadership. We are not afraid and will continue to speak up in the interest of our people and our democracy.

“We call on the police, DSS, military, civil society organizations, and the people of Edo State to take note of these threats by the APC-led Edo State Government.

“The press statement credited to Mr Fred Itua, the CPS is not only devious but pedestrian.

“Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee.”