APC Calls For Arrest, Prosecution Of Those Who Attacks Its Members At INEC Office
…PDP members are law abiding, and our focus is to retrieve our stolen mandate by APC – Iduoriyekemwen
…As political parties resolves to adjourn inspection of BVAS, Others to October 14
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) today demanded the arrest and prosecution of all those that plan and executed the attack on its legal team and members during yesterday sporadic shooting at Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Office in Benin City.
Briefing journalists at the party secretariat in Benin, the State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarret Tenebe stated that if urgent step is not taken to ensure the safety of its legal team and members, the party shall provide alternative security during the period the exercise will last.
According to Tenebe, “An exercise that would have been seamless has become problematic and dangerous due to alleged desperation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and governorship candidate of the party, as they have continually invaded the venue in INEC office.
“The brazen gun attack on supporters of APC yesterday at INEC office by the same persons who alleged to have murdered Inspector Akor, Onuh, confirmed the danger we have been facing since the tribunal granted us access to inspect materials that were used for the September 21, 2024 election.
“In the light of the prevailing, the All Progressives Congress demands the arrest and prosecution of all those that planned and executed the attack on our members yesterday at INEC office. We add also that, we are unable to guarantee the APC continuous participation in the inspection exercise in INEC office.
“If and when we decide to take part, the APC as a party shall provide alternative security for our members and legal team during the period the exercise will last.”
In a swift reaction to the allegations through telephone, the Director General of Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen said, “PDP members have never been armed and never resulted to using guns. Using guns are part of APC strength. You would realize that during their campaigns, they always claimed that they were attacked.
“PDP members are not known for violence. Edo people knew what transpired at Benin Airport which resulted to the death of a police officer. APC members are always with guns, and they are known for that. Jarrett Tenebe know me too well.
“Our lawyers have been the one going to INEC office to exercise and execute the valid court order. Yesterday, when they saw some PDP members wearing PDP candidate face cap, the APC thugs resulted to shooting sporadically which led to one of our youth leaders sustain injury.
“PDP will not relent in reclaiming our mandate that was stolen from us by APC.”
Meanwhile, political parties that participated in the September 21, 2024 Governorship Election in Edo State, today resolved to adjourn the tribunal ordered joint inspection of election materials at the Benin City office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, to Monday October 14, 2024.
The parties took the decision after a joint meeting, after INEC failed to organize the exercise today.
According to a signed statement, the parties said their decision is based on the “inability” of INEC to commence the inspection today, 11th October, 2024.
The representatives are: Obodeje Oghorin, counsel to APP; Kenny Isokpan, Chairman BOOT party; Osahon Obamogie, NNPP; Sylvester Ugberase, counsel to AAP; and Dr. Bishop Akahaime, of Zenith party. Others are Emperor Jarret Tenebe, of Edo State chairman of All Progressives Congress and Victor Ohiosuma, counsel to APC.
