Edo shooting: ‘We’re very peaceful party’ , PDP reacts to Okpebholo’s attack

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo has responded to the recent attack that led to the death of a police officer assigned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo. The PDP emphasized that it is a peaceful party.

Briefing newsmen in Benin on Friday, 19th July 2024,  a PDP Chieftain, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.

Aziegbemi called on the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of the police officer.

He said, “We want to state that the PDP is a very peaceful and law-abiding party that would never kill anyone. We are a party whose leadership is only interested in development, institutional reforms, among others.

“So we want the IGP to carry out an investigation to know how he was shot and the bullet that was used.”

Aziegbemi also expressed shock over the destruction of property and the death of the police officer, attributing the violence to thugs from the opposition party.

“The incident that happened yesterday at Benin Airport was unfortunate and unacceptable. It shows how desperate the opposition is in their bid to impose their candidate on Edo people.

It is quite disheartening that an innocent police officer lost his life due to the violence unleashed on innocent citizens.”

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The PDP extended condolences to the family of the deceased officer, expressing deep sorrow over his death and praying for eternal rest.

“It is common knowledge that when a court of first instance gives a judgment, once there is a notice of appeal and an appeal for a stay of execution, the parties are expected to maintain the status quo.”

Aziegbemi urged Shaibu to wait for the outcomes of the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court judgments.

He questioned the motive behind causing mayhem in Edo so close to an election that the PDP is confident of winning.

He emphasised that the PDP could not work against its interest and accused the opposition party of attempting to instill fear among the people before the election.

Aziegbemi called for a thorough investigation of the incident, including an autopsy on the officer, and urged that the findings be made public.