Police From Abuja Are In Edo State To Arrest Our Supporters – Governor Obaseki Alleges

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of importing Police from Abuja to intimidate and harass his supporters ahead of the September 19 governorship election.

The governor who is seeking for re-election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the accusation while receiving Muslim leaders at Government House, in Benin City on Friday, July 31, 2020.

Obaseki who also accused the APC of planning violence and importing arms into the state, expressed his readiness to stand with the people, defend their interests and develop the state.

“I am not afraid of any man but God. I know the gang up is to provoke me and my supporters but we will not fall for their tricks as God will help us,” he said.

“As I speak to you now, you can’t imagine that Police from Abuja are already in the state and have been paid to arrest our supporters. They have been paid by a billionaire to arrest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in the state.

“This billionaire sponsored the attacks on me and other PDP governors at the Palace. This is to tell you the level of corruption and impunity we face.

“They are planning violence, bringing arms, intimidating our supporters as part of their strategy. They know that if we have a free and fair election, they stand no chance.

“Their strategy is to continue with their propaganda and lies. They know they don’t have a record of performance; their plan is just to intimidate our supporters and ensure they stay off the polling booth.

“They attacked my supporters and wanted me to react to the attacks. I will not attack them back because as the Chief Security Officer of the state, my responsibility is to maintain peace. We would continue to do that at all costs”, the governor said.

He assured Edo people that the developmental strides in the state had just begun as the first four year of his administration were used in laying the foundation which will be built on in the next four years.

“What Edo people have witnessed in the first four years is only the beginning of greater things. The first term is for laying the foundation for greatness. The foundation has been laid; we will build on it to make life better for Edo people.

“We have improved education, healthcare, agriculture, roads, infrastructure, environment, civil service and the economy of Edo State, ensuring that the life of every Edo man is improved for the better”, Obaseki added.

KanyiDaily had reported last week that no fewer than 10 residents were wounded in an exchange of gunshots between PDP supporters of Governor Obaseki and his main challenger from the APC in the forthcoming Edo governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The clash occurred when Obaseki, leading a delegation of PDP chieftains, arrived at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, for a courtesy visit.