Police begin clampdown on PDP leaders and supporters in Edo State, Edocitizens advised to be on guards

As the countdown to the historic 2016 governorship election in Edo State enters its last week, the attempt to muzzle the opposition PDP by state security forces seems to have intensified going by reports of harassment and massive arrests of leaders and supporters of the party by the police across the state.

Over the weekend, the police stormed the house of the former state secretary of the party, Mr. Felix Utubor, in Igueben local government area of Edo Central Senatorial District.

Mr. Utubor, sensing political victimization, escaped through the back door and is now in hiding.

However, in Owan East local government area of Edo North Senatorial district,   a former Deputy Speaker and majority leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Fred Omoigberale was arrested on the second occasion of the policemen’s call at his home.

From reports, the police having missed him at home the first time, went to his office where in his absence his manager was subjected to humiliation upon learning that he was a member of the PDP.

Also three staunch PDP youth leaders were picked up at Afuze on thrumped up charges by the Federal SARS, Owan East LGA. They are Edogamen, Dickson Ebozoje, and Omoruzeoje. Mr Dandy Oserei, a dynamic youth leader with masses appeal, escaped arrest and his house was vandalised by the security operatives who came for his twice.

In Iyamho, Etsako West LGA, twenty-two members of the PDP were also arrested. No reasons have been given for these arrests.

Recently, there have been allegations by the PDP and other concerned stakeholders that the ruling APC has as part of its design to manipulate the election to its advantage, the use of the state security agencies, particularly the police, to intimidate the PDP and people sympathetic to their cause.

The PDP and various civil society groups have been in the media calling for the intervention of the international community and the presidency, saying that if not checked, the stage may be set for a compromised and violence prone election in Edo State.

Responding to these spates of unlawful abuse of powers and other concerns towards the forthcoming election, a civil society leadership and mentorship NGO, Centre for Patriotic Leadership Initiative (CPLI) in collaboration with Canvassers for Democracy, and Redemption Group working with the Edo based civil society organisations, have declared Tuesday 6th of September 2016 as a Day of Demonstration for Free, Fair and Credible election.

Speaking with our correspondent at Afuze, Saintmoses Eromosele, the Secretary General of CPLI, said that the time has come when everyone must take active interest in who governs them. He advised all who are under threats of possible arrest and detention during this period to take proactive steps to prevent the arrest.