July 28, (THEWILL) – A political pressure group, Asue Ighodalo Movement (AIM), has raised the alarm over an alleged plan to arrest and detain a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), High Chief Francis Inegbeniki, on trumped-up charges.
The group, which supports the governorship candidate of the PDP in the September 21, gubernatorial election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, in a statement on Saturday, said the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state was the brain behind the plot.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Daniel Asekhame, the AIM said: “Our attention has been drawn to a grand plan by the APC in Edo State to frame up charges and instigate the Police to arrest and detain one of our members, High Chief (Dr) Francis Inegbeniki, and other top chieftains of the party so as to render them inactive during the ongoing campaign.
“Credible information at our disposal has it that the APC in the state has fully activated the ‘Federal Might’, which it had severally boasted of through many of its leaders in the state in recent times, to use the Federal Police to harass, intimidate and detain perceived strong opponents in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State come September 21st.
“We sincerely sympathise with the Inspector General of Police, the Nigerian Police Force and the family of Inspector Aku Onu on the unfortunate incident that happened in Edo State on the 18th of July, which claimed the Inspector’s life. We prayed for the repose of his soul.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to bring to book all those involved in the shooting incident that day on Airport Road, Benin City. There are lots of videos and pictures of people carrying high-calibre guns openly on social media and YouTube on the said day. The Police should identify, arrest and prosecute all involved.”
The group reiterated its commitment to a credible, free and fair election where the votes of the people count. It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be an unbiased umpire.
The AIM said it has confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to ensure a level playing field for all as a renowned democrat.
“We, members of AIM, have absolute confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being a democrat, to provide a level playing field for all and thereby ensure a free and fair election in Edo State come September 21st.
“We, therefore, appeal to President Tinubu to caution APC members in the state to desist from threatening Edo People with FEDERAL MIGHT. Edo State is part of Nigeria and not a conquered territory where a ruler will be imposed on the people.“
The group said the constant boasting by the Edo APC of their access to the federal security agencies and their intentions to unleash them on other political parties must stop, saying the “Nigerian Police Force is not the property of anybody or group. They are there to ensure the safety of the lives and properties of Nigerians, irrespective of party affiliation, state, tribe or sex.
“We, the supporters of Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, sue for a peaceful and fair election where the choice of the people will carry the day. Campaigns should not be turned into a killing or violence contest.”
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
