1st May, 2016
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
An alleged attack on the deputy governor of Edo Ssate, Dr. Pius Odubu, last Saturday at Auchi, administrative headquarters of Etsako West local government area, has elicited some taunting reaction by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Several persons, including an official of the State Security Service, a policeman, both attached to the deputy governor, were said to have sustained gunshot injuries when the deputy governor who was to meet with delegates of the party at Auchi, ahead of the primary election of the APC sometimes in June, was allegedly attacked.
Reacting to the incident, the PDP in a press statement issued and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare, while sympathising with Dr. Odubu, said it was shocked to hear of the assassination attempt on him by unidentified assailants.
“We are grateful to God that as at this moment no life has been lost. We are however saddened that up to seven persons were alleged to have serious injuries and are receiving treatment at Faith Medical Centre Auchi.
“We use this opportunity to sympathize with the Deputy Governor and all those who were injured in the attack.
“While we call on the various security agencies to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book, We urge the leadership of APC to call all their governorship aspirants to order and imbibe in them that politics is not a do-or-die affair.
“We have observed with disgust the emergence of an Emperor in the politics of the state. One that brooks no opposition. It is important to note that the emergence of an ‘Emperor’ at this point of our socio-political development is anti-democratic, crude and insensitive to the aspirations of our people.
“We want a peaceful Edo State devoid of violence and political assassinations. Edo State Chief Security Officer, please note!” the statement read.