The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has condemned last Monday’s attack on its party leaders and lawyers at the premises of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal and accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sponsoring the thugs carried out the act.
But the publicity secretary of PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare, dismissed APC’ claim.
When contacted, Nehikhare said “PDP will not dignify the APC with a response.”
A viral video on social media captured a violent clash between suspected APC and PDP supporters at the resumed hearing of the Edo Governorship Tribunal in Benin City, the state capital.
Reacting however, acting chairman of APC in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, who accused PDP of being behind the attack, described it as one too many, noting that APC had earlier alerted security agencies about the attack which was ignored.
Tenebe said if the security agencies fail to take decisive action by arresting and bringing to book those behind the attack, APC would resort to self help to defend its members.
He said, “This latest attack is one of many that the Peoples Democratic Party has visited on us since the electioneering process that culminated in the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State. We had alerted the security agencies ahead of yesterday’s attack, but sadly, the police ignored this.
“Several of our members were caught unaware by the dastardly groups of thugs that were hired by the Peoples Democratic Party to disrupt the tribunal proceedings and maim APC leaders, members and lawyers.
“They violently attacked our members and some lawyers representing other political parties and in the process, left several persons with severe injuries.
“These PDP thugs who were seen in branded Asue Ighodalo’s T-shirts and caps, came with battle axe, bottles and other dangerous weapons, which they used freely on APC members who did not provoke any fight. The PDP thugs took over the court premises and adjoining streets without resistance from the police.
“Their unbridled murderous attacks were captured in different video recordings that are now in circulation.
The latest attack, refreshes the memory of Nigerians of what happened at the Benin City Airport exit gate when PDP agents murdered Inspector Akor Onu in cold blood.
“We are sure that the failure of police to prosecute all those that were identified in that killing, may have emboldened the PDP killer squad to carry out this latest attack,” he said.