From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to carry out urgent and comprehensive investigation on the recent meetings that was held by Governor Obaseki, within and outside Edo State.
Besides, the party called for the withdrawal or change of the governor’s security details as the day for the planned protest draws nearer and
restrict his movement before the planned protest, especially on the protest day.
The State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, in a statement, alleged of a plot by governor to recruit members of the Civil Society Groups and others for protest in the wake of his alleged threat to burn down the country.
“The aim of his plan is to create anarchy in Edo State and the five other South-South States and blame the APC for the destructions that will follow the protest.
“It is embarrassing and worrisome that the Edo State House of Assembly has turned blind eyes to the danger Obaseki has become, as the Speaker and members have refused to condemn the serious security breach the governor has committed.
“The prevailing circumstance is worrisome and demands urgent action that will frustrate the plan Obaseki has made with Edo State Security Network (ESSN), POWOV and thugs from the five other South-South States of Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bayelsa”, the statement said.
The APC while alleging that the state Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, was partisan, called for his transfer from the state.
“Finally, worried by the open partisan role the state Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye has played in recent times, we request that he should emulate his counterpart, Kimberly Cheatle the United States of America Secret Service Chief, who has resigned for failing to prevent Donald Trump’s assasination attempt.
“In the event he fails to take this honourable path, Mr. Adegboye should be transferred out of Edo State, because his action is capable of bringing the force to disrepute.
“The consequences of ignoring this timely call is capable of leading to subsequent breakdown of law and order in Edo State and Nigeria”, the statement warned.
But the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, while addressing journalists in Benin yesterday, said instead of placing governor Obaseki on Security Watch, it is the APC members pictured carrying arms that are security threat.
He chronicled the governor’s achievements to include employment of over 5,000 workers, payment of N70,000 minimum wage to workers, provision of free bus ride for Edo people as well as spending N1.2 billion monthly to provide palliatives to the people of the state, amongst others.