…Says Okpebholo operating anti cultism law in breach
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in strong terms, alleged unwarranted demolition threats against the member representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Hon. Collins Aigbogun, Esan West Local Government Council Chairman by the Edo State Government.
The party in a statement signed by its State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, alleged that the state government under Senator Monday Okpebholo has continued its trend of oppression, tyranny, and intimidation to suppress opposition and coerce citizens into silence.
“This time, it is Hon. Marcus Onobun, the member representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Hon. Collins Aigbogun, Esan West Local Government Council Chairman who are being jolted with the marking of their property in their hometowns for arbitrary demolition.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this perpetual resort to political harassment and witch-hunt in a desperate attempt to intimidate, silence, and cripple the opposition in Edo State.
“This brazen move by the state government represents a disturbing abuse of power and a misuse of legislation to target political opponents. The Anti-Cultism Law, as passed, clearly stipulates that property can only be subject to forfeiture or demolition after a valid conviction by a competent court of law. At present, there is no such conviction against Hon Onobun and Hon Aigbogun—only baseless, unsubstantiated allegations.
“This is not law enforcement; it is a political witch-hunt”, the statement said.
It reminded the Government that Nigeria is governed by law, not by executive fiat, pointing out that the weaponisation of laws to stifle opposition voices and intimidate perceived political rivals is not only a threat to democracy in Edo State but a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country.
“The PDP strongly condemns this vindictive action and calls on all well-meaning citizens, civil society organisations, and the international community to speak out against this injustice.
“We demand an immediate halt to the planned demolitions and call on the Edo State Government to retrace its steps and respect the legal rights and fundamental freedoms of Hon.Onobun, Hon Aigbogun and all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.
“We also want to put on notice the policemen, bulldozer drivers as well as owners of the bulldozers that they will be held liable if for any reason they participate in the supervision, destruction or demolishing of any building or property without a valid court order. They should know that they do not enjoy immunity that the governor enjoys and the law frowns at the execution of unlawful orders!
“At this juncture, we call on Senator Okpebholo and the Edo State Government to cease this intolerance for dissenting voices and vindictive demolition in various guises, and redirect their efforts towards delivering transparent, inclusive, and effective governance that truly serves the interests of Edo people”, the statement added.
Recall that Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, had denied the claim that Hon. Marcus Onobun’s house was marked for demolition, describing the claim as false and figment of the imagination of mischief makers.