As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised concerns over alleged intimidation by Governor Godwin Obaseki and threats of arrest by the state’s Commissioner of Police.
In a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, the APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, accused Governor Obaseki of using state security apparatus to suppress opposition.
Tenebe stated that he had been summoned by the State Commissioner of Police, a move he believes is intended to weaken opposition parties and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the election.
“We urge the IGP, the Senate, and the Police Service Commission to call the Commissioner of Police in Edo State to order to avoid the breakdown of law and order,” Tenebe said in the petition.
The petition read: “I am the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Edo State chapter, and have the honor and privilege to bring to your attention the high level of intimidation and harassment being orchestrated by the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.”
“Under the Freedom of Information Act, anyone dissatisfied with any government policy can ask questions.
However, the Edo State Governor does not tolerate any opposition to his policies.”
“To suppress opposition, he deploys all forms of security apparatus within the state, both conventional and self-created, to carry out his vindictiveness.
He has threatened to deal mercilessly with anyone who challenges him, especially during this election period. Recently, he has used the Commissioner of Police to orchestrate my arrest for political reasons.
I was informed at my party secretariat that the police brought an invitation for me to be interviewed by the Commissioner of Police over a petition written against me by the governor.”
“Information at my disposal indicates that the governor has ordered the police to lay siege to my party secretariat during our campaign council inauguration tomorrow, intending to arrest me just to score a political point.”
“I thereby solicit your timely intervention by transferring the said case, if any, to your office for a discreet investigation.
I count on your esteemed office to address this unwarranted harassment.”
The APC’s allegations come amidst heightened political tensions in Edo State as parties prepare for the upcoming governorship election.
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