A political pressure group, Asue Ighodalo Movement (AIM), has raised the alarm over alleged plans to arrest and detain a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Francis Inegbeniki on framed charges.
The group, which supports the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election in Edo State, said in a statement issued on Saturday that the opposition All Progresives Congress (APC), in the state was the brain behind the plot.
In the statement by the National Coordinator, Daniel Asekhame, 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 by many of its leaders in the state in recent times to use the Police to harass, intimidate and detain perceived strong opponents in the forth coming 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 votes of the people must count, saying “We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be an unbiased umpire.”
AIM stated that it had confidence in the ability of President Bola Ahmed 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 ensuring a free and fair elections 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 stated that 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 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,” the group concluded.
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